The 2026 Major League Baseball spring training season has opened with a seismic shift for Canadian baseball fans, as former Toronto Blue Jays cornerstone Bo Bichette begins his tenure with the New York Mets. Following a high-profile departure from Toronto this winter, Bichette is currently the focal point of Mets camp as he transitions to a new defensive home at third base.
Bichette, who signed a lucrative deal with New York—reportedly worth $42 million for the upcoming season—made his spring debut on Saturday, 22 February 2026, in a 2-1 loss against the Miami Marlins. The debut was a “work in progress,” as the career shortstop committed a throwing error in his first game at the “hot corner.” Despite the early defensive hiccup, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has expressed confidence in Bichette’s ability to adapt, citing his athleticism and work ethic.
Key Transition Details
- New Position: After playing shortstop exclusively for the Blue Jays since 2019, Bichette is moving to third base to accommodate Mets star Francisco Lindor.
- 2025 Performance: Bichette enters New York coming off a strong 2025 campaign where he posted a .311 batting average, 18 home runs, and 94 RBIs, earning a spot on the All-MLB Second Team.
- Contract Status: Now 27 years old, Bichette joined the Mets as one of the premier acquisitions of the 2025-2026 off-season.
The View from Toronto
In Dunedin, the Blue Jays are moving forward without their long-time hit leader. The club has pivoted by investing heavily in new talent, including a $270 million off-season spending spree that brought in pitcher Dylan Cease and infielder Okamoto. While the Blue Jays face the Mets today, 23 February 2026, in a spring training matchup, Bichette is notably absent from the New York lineup for this specific contest as he continues his individual defensive drills.
Industry analysts, including those from The Athletic and Sportsnet, suggest that Bichette’s ability to master third base will be the “X-factor” for a Mets team that also added veterans Marcus Semien and Freddy Peralta to their roster this winter. While New York media has already begun drawing comparisons to Alex Rodriguez’s famous move to third base, Bichette remains focused on the “new challenge,” telling reporters he is enjoying the process of learning the nuances of the position.
| Stat Category | 2025 Season (Final) | Career (to date) |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .311 | .294 |
| Home Runs | 18 | 111 |
| RBIs | 94 | — |
As the Mets continue their Grapefruit League schedule, all eyes remain on the left side of the New York infield to see if the Bichette-Lindor pairing can live up to its “super-team” billing before Opening Day.