Bo Bichette Jokes Mets Fans 'Took Too Long' to Boo After 3rd Game Following $126M Contract

New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette, who signed a three-year, $126 million contract in free agency last offseason, had just one hit in 14 at-bats in New York's season-opening three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The home fans let their displeasure known early, and the ex-Toronto Blue Jay was asked postgame Sunday if he expected Mets supporters to get on him early. He provided this response.

Manager Carlos Mendoza defended his player on Monday:

Sunday was a particularly tough day for Bichette, who went hitless in five at-bats and struck out three times in a 4-3, 10-inning loss. He also had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the 10th with outfielder Juan Soto on second base with one out, but Bichette grounded out to shortstop. A Jorge Polanco flyout then ended the game.

Bichette spoke afterward about how he wanted a big moment there at the end.

That didn't happen, but the season is only three games old, so Bichette certainly will have more opportunities to come through in the clutch.

It's been a rough start though for Bichette, who has also struck out in more than half of his at-bats (eight K's overall).

He's certainly capable of much better play. The two-time All-Star, who played seven seasons in Toronto, hit .311 last year (.840 OPS) with 18 home runs, 94 RBI and a 129 OPS+. He suffered a late-season left knee sprain in early September but returned for the World Series and hit .348 (.923 OPS) with a homer and six RBI.

This season has featured a brutal start, but Bichette can turn it around quickly. The Mets will now embark on a six-game road trip beginning Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants.