Mets' offseason plan could reportedly make frightening MLB history with Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco

Hunter Cookston

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Mets' offseason plan could reportedly make frightening MLB history with Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco image

The New York Mets have had a very confusing offseason when it comes to bringing in top talent. The Mets traded away Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, while also letting Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz walk. However, early in free agency, the Mets did sign Jorge Polanco.

“The Mets still intend to construct a playoff team, which they took a step toward doing with a two-year agreement for Jorge Polanco -- a switch-hitting infielder known in large part for his work in the postseason. The contract, which became official on Tuesday, is worth $40 million, according to a source,” MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo wrote.

New York also pursued Kyle Tucker in an attempt to land a major signing this offseason, but were outbid by the Dodgers. In a shocking but quick response to that, the Mets went out and signed Bo Bichette to play third base.

“The New York Mets, in a quick pivot after failing to sign Kyle Tucker, have agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract with infielder Bo Bichette, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

With the signings of Polanco and Bichette, the Mets are planning on having them play secondary positions. If this does happen on Opening Day, they will become part of a unique moment in franchise history.

“If the Mets start Bichette and Polanco at third and first base, respectively, on Opening Day, they will become just the second team in the last 100 years to start two non-rookie infielders on Opening Day with no more than one prior MLB game at that position,” MLB reporter Michael Marino posted.

The transition for Bichette and Polanco will be interesting to watch, as they have never—or hardly—played those positions. While they are professionals, learning a new position is not an overnight skill that is easily figured out.

This move by the Mets could prove to be risky and may lead to some early defensive struggles. However, the Mets would not be making these changes if they were not confident in their offseason signings.

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