NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 21: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets takes batting practice prior to the game between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Evan Yu/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Toronto Blue Jays closed out their series with the Los Angeles Angels on a poor note on Sunday, scoring just one run and losing the game.
But they still won the series and are hoping that gives them some better momentum against the Tampa Bay Rays shortly after they were swept by the division rival.
As the Blue Jays look to return to a winning record after their blockbuster offseason of additions, their former franchise shortstop is facing an even steeper uphill battle with the New York Mets.
“Bo Bichette’s numbers are lagging, perhaps along with his luck,” Mike Puma wrote for the New York Post on Sunday. “The Mets infielder, still searching for his first real hot streak, entered Saturday with a disappointing .570 OPS, but his underlying numbers suggest he should be faring better.”
New York Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza Sends Bo Bichette Message As Concerns Mount
As the Mets struggle with the worst record in Major League Baseball so far, Bichette is just one among plenty of disappointments for the team. But his manager seems to believe that the resume he established over so many seasons with the Blue Jays is evidence that a turnaround is imminent.
“It feels like every day there’s one at-bat when he hits a rocket and somebody is making a play,” Carlos Mendoza said, per Puma. “I am not worried about him. The ball is going to find holes. He’s too good a hitter.”
New York Mets Former Superstar Offers Response On Bo Bichette’s Return To Toronto Blue Jays Position
That was also the message from four-time Mets All-Star Jose Reyes, who retired after the 2018 season.
“You are a good player, you’ve been good for a long time, so you’re going to be fine,” Reyes said in a message directed at Bichette during a segment on SNY. “You played in Toronto, the fans there, basically similar like here in New York. You’re going to be good bro.”
Then, in a future segment, Reyes added that Bichette’s return to shortstop, which was necessitated by an injury to Francisco Lindor, will also help him with his production at the plate.
“I know this is his first year of the new contract, a big contract in New York, and he’s still trying to find a way,” Reyes said. “He started to play a new position, but (it was a) good thing to see him go back to shortstop for a few weeks. I think he’s confident (and) going to be even better now… I think hitting wise, before Lindor comes back, it’s going to be way better. I’m telling you.”
Mets fans can certainly hope that the shift back to his long-held role on defense will unlock something at the plate for Bichette. And Blue Jays fans who are keeping tabs on their long-time shortstop could be cheering for a return to form as well.