The New York Mets will play infielder Bo Bichette at shortstop in a Spring Training game on Friday, March 20, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The free agent addition was expected to handle third base duties for the Mets, but the choice to give him shortstop reps could hint at how the roster will shake out.
The final spot on the Mets’ roster seemed to be coming down to top prospect Carson Benge versus veteran Mike Tauchman. Sherman suggests both outfielders could make the team if New York is willing to use Bichette as the backup shortstop. That iteration would likely see Ronny Mauricio sent to the minors to begin the season.
The backup shortstop position isn’t typically relevant for the Mets, with Francisco Lindor regularly suiting up for 150+ games. The All-Star is working his way back from a hamate bone injury and is questionable for Opening Day. New York could need a fill-in up the middle to open the 2026 regular season.
New York Mets Roster Update: Bo Bichette Playing Shortstop, Could Be Backup Option
Bichette has plenty of experience at shortstop. He has held down the position for the Toronto Blue Jays since his big-league debut in 2019. The issue has been performance. After grading out as a decent defender early in his career, Bichette has dropped off with the glove. He was worth 8 Defensive Runs Saved across the first three years with the Blue Jays. Bichette earned -16 DRS in 2022. He briefly improved to 4 DRS in 2023, then posted -3 DRS and -12 DRS in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
A knee injury cost Bichette most of September last season. He also missed multiple rounds in the playoffs. When Bichette returned, he played second base for Toronto. It was the first time since 2019 at Triple-A that the infielder had appeared at the keystone. Bichette has never played third base as a professional.
New York relied on a combination of Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Mauricio at the hot corner last season. The group compiled 2.0 WAR last year, per Baseball Reference, which ranked in the middle of the pack in the league.
Bichette News Could Keep Benge and Tauchman on the Mets Roster
Benge has made a strong case to open the 2026 campaign in the big leagues. He’s hit .406 with five runs and five RBI during spring action. Benge has posted a tremendous 165 wRC+ in 11 Spring Training games. His push for a roster spot comes after a standout minor league season. Benge slashed .281/.385/.472 in 116 games across three minor league levels. The 23-year-old closed the year in Triple-A, so it wouldn’t be a huge leap for him to begin the year with the Mets.
Tauchman has basically matched Benge’s strong spring production. The veteran has a 150 wRC+ in 11 games. He’s reached base at a massive .419 clip. The Mets added Tauchman on a minor league deal. The club has a deadline to make a decision on him, as the 34-year-old has an opt-out clause in his agreement. If Tauchman isn’t on the Mets roster by Wednesday, March 25, he can pursue a major league opportunity elsewhere.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Mets Give Roster Hint With Bo Bichette News appeared first on Heavy Sports.