The story behind Bo Bichette’s three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets was straightforward: the organization needed more offense, and third base was a position they were ready to give up. Bichette was the best bat left to fill the vacancy. However, you are giving the front office too much credit for insight and not enough for scrambling if you believe that this was the original plan.
David Stearns’ original plan for the former Blue Jays star was quite different, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Instead of having him cover the hot corner, Stearns wanted him to turn double plays up the middle.
It turns out that the Mets saw Bichette as their second base solution long before the deal was finalized. It’s an intriguing “what if” that reveals a tumultuous Queens offseason.
“Here’s another interesting, previously unreported detail about those discussions between the Mets and Bichette at the GM Meetings: according to league sources, New York initially approached the then-free agent about playing second base.”
The Kyle Tucker Whiff Forced a Massive Pivot
These dominoes are fascinating. Only when the offseason took a dramatic turn to the left did the Mets turn back to Bichette as a third baseman. After acquiring Marcus Semien from the Texas Rangers to secure second base, they attempted to hit superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker but failed.
All of a sudden, the infield needed a body, and the lineup needed punch. That led Stearns to pivot back to Bichette, but with second base occupied by Semien, the only spot remaining was third. I can’t help but worry about this change. Asking Bichette to make the long throw across the diamond is a real risk because he isn’t exactly known for carrying a howitzer on his right shoulder. Yes, the lack of range needed at third helps him, but it’s a difficult task to learn a new position in New York’s pressure cooker.
Stearns Dodged a Bullet by Avoiding the “Stopgaps”
Thankfully, Stearns didn’t choose any of the other items on his list. To be honest, the alternatives to landing a celebrity like Bichette were disheartening. The organization apparently thought about hiring a utility player like Isiah Kiner-Falefa or “sacrificing offense” by giving the job to prospect Luisangel Acuña, whom they wisely shipped away.
According to those informed about the Mets’ plans, additional options include signing Isiah Kiner-Falefa (who is still a free agent) or forsaking offense and giving the runway to Luisangel Acuña (who they ultimately moved). At second base, sticking with McNeil was never going to be the solution.
Offensively, there is no comparison, although we may argue about Bichette’s defensive suitability at third all day. Stearns decided that outscoring opponents is a better approach than hoping a temporary defender will rescue runs, so he opted for star power over mediocrity. Even if the Mets’ defense may have a rough start to the season, I would much rather have Bichette’s bat in the order than a “safe” glove.
