Mets manager Carlos Mendoza ruled out any involvement of Bo Bichette as a shortstop when Francisco Lindor’s surgery was announced. He committed the former Blue Jays player to learn third base. However, he has changed his mind.
As spring progressed and the Mets’ camp unfolded, Mendoza’s thinking also changed. The manager confirmed that Bichette could have some appearances as a shortstop this season. It all depends on whether Lindor needs time off for recovery.
Bichette arrived in New York to play third base, so the team needed him to focus on that transition. At the time, the organization had other in-house options to cover shortstop and the slugger was not part of that plan when he was signed.
It’s a remarkable development considering what led Bichette to leave shortstop in the first place. His defense was a major concern during the past offseason and weighed heavily on his market as a free agent. Teams were reluctant to commit to him at that position, but the Mets signed him specifically with the intention of moving him away from it.
The fact that Carlos Mendoza now considers him a backup option underlines how limited the alternatives really are.
Bo Bichette’s batting, his counterbalance
The point in his favor is the bat. He posted a .333/.413/.513 slash line with nine RBIs in 16 games during the spring, showing the offensive profile that made the Mets comfortable offering him a nine-figure contract in the first place. If he has to move to shortstop in an emergency, his ability to hit will make the defensive sacrifice a little more tolerable.
What does the future look like for Francisco Lindor?
He returned to action this spring, but has only played in five games, hitting .158 with four hits. He is expected to regain his best form in the early games of the season. Bichette’s appearances at shortstop may never be necessary, as long as Lindor does not suffer further problems from the injury.
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