Mets’ Carlos Mendoza Praises Bo Bichette's Stellar Four-Hit Game: “Really Good Day for Him”

Bo Bichette's inaugural season with the New York Mets has been challenging, especially following his significant three-year, $126 million contract signed in the offseason. Expectations were high for him to bolster the team’s offense, particularly after some key players departed in free agency. However, leading up to Wednesday's matchup against the Seattle Mariners, Bichette was struggling with a batting average of just .213 and an OPS of .570, compounded by an 0-for-16 slump in recent games.

In a much-needed turnaround, Bichette delivered a remarkable performance in the series finale, going 4-for-4 at the plate. His standout moment came in the fourth inning when he cleared the bases with a two-run single, breaking a 1-1 tie. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza reflected on Bichette's performance, stating, “Really good day for him. That first at-bat he hits that bullet to right field and then it’s just kind of a typical game from Bo when he’s going well.” Mendoza noted that Bichette’s ability to hit line drives and produce runs was a clear indication of his talent.

Despite Bichette's earlier difficulties, Mendoza has opted not to drop him in the batting order, maintaining his position near the top in hopes of rekindling his hitting streak. Mendoza expressed his belief that luck has not been on Bichette's side this season, pointing out that while he has been making solid contact, the outcomes haven't reflected his efforts. “They wanna see results. Hopefully now he continues to get results and he gets going here, but I feel like this guy has been very unlucky, I hate to say it. He’s a good hitter,” Mendoza explained.

Statistically, Mendoza’s concerns seem justified. Bichette's expected batting average (xBA) stands at .276, significantly higher than his current .226 average and closer to his career mark of .288, placing him in the 79th percentile according to Baseball Savant. His metrics for average exit velocity and hard-hit percentage are also impressive, further highlighting his potential despite the current struggles.

After the game, Bichette acknowledged that he has not been at his best, but felt encouraged by his latest outing. “There’s been probably a lot of at-bats that could be better so just trying to focus on being more consistent,” he stated. With an off day scheduled before the Mets face the San Diego Padres on Friday, Bichette is eager to carry his success forward. “Just staying in the moment,” he said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on good pitches and competing without dwelling on the past.