The New York Mets didn’t waste much time pivoting after missing out on Kyle Tucker. Instead, they landed Bo Bichette-a move that adds serious firepower to the lineup and, perhaps just as sweet for Mets fans, snatched a coveted target right out from under the division-rival Phillies. But while Bichette’s bat is a welcome addition, there’s a wrinkle in this signing that doesn’t quite line up with the Mets’ stated offseason mission.
After a disappointing 2025 campaign, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns made it clear: run prevention was going to be the team’s top priority heading into 2026. That’s what makes the decision to bring in Bichette-and plug him in at third base-all the more intriguing.
Let’s be clear: Bichette can hit. That’s not in question.
But defensively, he’s been a liability at shortstop, and the numbers back that up. Heading into his age-28 season, he’s not necessarily on the decline physically, but he’s never been known for his glove-and recent seasons have only amplified those concerns.
In 2025, he posted -12 Defensive Runs Saved and -13 Outs Above Average. That’s not just below average-that’s near the bottom of the league.
Recognizing that, Bichette reportedly told teams he was open to a position change, even suggesting a move to second base. Instead, the Mets are slotting him in at third-a position with its own unique demands.
And while it may be a step down in difficulty from shortstop, it’s no walk in the park. The hot corner requires quick reactions, strong throws across the diamond, and lateral range to cut off hard-hit balls before they find the corner.
Here are three key defensive metrics that should give the Mets pause as Bichette transitions to third base:
1. Arm Strength: A Step Behind the Pack
There’s a common belief that third base demands the strongest arms in the infield, and while that’s not always true in every situation, it’s certainly a factor. The average throw from third base travels at 85.6 mph.
Bichette’s average? Just 82.3 mph.
That puts him well below the positional average, tied with Alex Bregman-who, to be fair, is considered a solid defender. But when you dig deeper, Bichette’s max arm strength tells a more concerning story.
His top throw in 2025 clocked in at 86.3 mph, barely above the league average and far from elite. For context, 15 third basemen topped 90 mph on their hardest throws last season.
Bichette’s max velocity would tie him for 39th in the league, alongside Eugenio Suarez-a player many believe is on the verge of a move to first base.
That lack of top-end arm strength could be a problem on slow rollers or tough plays deep behind the bag, where every tick of velocity matters.
2. Range: A Mismatch Next to Lindor
One of the biggest concerns about moving Bichette to third isn’t just how he plays the position-it’s how he fits next to Francisco Lindor.
Lindor, typically a defensive stalwart, struggled last year on balls hit toward the hole between short and third, posting a -5 OAA in that direction. Bichette, meanwhile, also posted a -5 OAA when moving to his right-toward first base when playing shortstop, which translates to moving toward the line at third.
That creates a potentially dangerous gap on the left side of the infield. If both players struggle laterally in those directions, the hole between them could become a freeway for ground balls. Add in Bichette’s -3 OAA when moving laterally to his right (toward the line at third), and you’ve got a recipe for extra-base hits down the line-especially if his reaction time isn’t up to the quick-twitch demands of third base.
3. Success Rate Added: Bottom of the Pack
Statcast’s success rate metrics offer a telling snapshot of a player’s overall defensive effectiveness. In 2025, Bichette converted 69% of his fielding chances.
The league average for those same opportunities? 72%.
That -3% success rate added doesn’t sound like much, but it ranked 36th out of 39 qualifying third basemen. For comparison, Brett Baty-who struggled defensively at times-was exactly average at 0%. Mark Vientos, another young Mets infielder, came in at -4%.
This stat doesn’t isolate the cause-it could be range, arm strength, hands, or a combination-but it does suggest that Bichette left outs on the field that average defenders would’ve made. And while these numbers were compiled at shortstop, they don’t exactly inspire confidence that a move to third will solve the problem.
The Upside: Bichette’s Bat Still Plays
At the end of the day, the Mets didn’t bring in Bo Bichette to win a Gold Glove. They brought him in to hit-and that he can do. If he can be even passable at third base, the offensive value he brings should more than offset his defensive shortcomings.
But if the glove doesn’t hold up-if the arm doesn’t play, the range doesn’t improve, and the left side of the infield becomes a defensive black hole-then the Mets may find themselves facing a familiar problem: trying to outslug their way past fundamental issues in the field.
The hope is that a new position and a fresh start will help Bichette find his footing defensively. But the metrics suggest there’s a steep hill to climb.