Bo Bichette had been open about it for months.
Bichette, the Mets’ new third baseman, was officially introduced at a press conference last week.Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
He wanted to represent Brazil on the world stage. He wanted to help shine a light on baseball in a country filled with elite athletes who rarely get the spotlight in the sport.
And with the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaching, it felt like the perfect moment for him to finally do it.
But now, with one signature and one new uniform, everything has changed.
According to ESPN Brasil, the New York Mets’ newest star will not suit up for Team Brazil in this year’s World Baseball Classic — a decision that makes one thing painfully clear: Bichette’s spring is no longer about anything except proving himself in New York.
A Dream Paused — Not Forgotten
Bichette’s connection to Brazil isn’t a marketing gimmick or a sudden storyline.
His mother, Mariana, is from Porto Alegre, making him eligible to represent Brazil internationally. And Bichette has already worn the Brazil jersey before, joining his older brother Dante Bichette Jr. during the 2016 WBC qualifiers in Brooklyn.
Back then, he was still a prospect in the Blue Jays system. But even at that stage, he delivered, collecting hits while Brazil fought for a chance to qualify.
They didn’t make it.
And that’s part of what made the idea of 2026 feel so meaningful — a second chance, this time with a legitimate MLB star in the lineup.
Bichette even said last year that he hoped he could bring attention to the sport in Brazil, calling the WBC “a big opportunity.” It sounded like a personal mission.
So when word surfaced that he wouldn’t participate, it immediately raised eyebrows.
The Mets Contract Changed the Calendar
This isn’t just any offseason decision.
Bichette is coming off a major career moment — leaving the only organization he’s ever known and signing a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets. He’s now stepping into one of the most intense markets in baseball with expectations that don’t wait.
And unlike some stars who can ease into spring training with their role already defined, Bichette is walking into something far more delicate:
A new team, a new clubhouse, and most importantly… a new position.
Third Base Isn’t Just a Position Change — It’s a Test
Bichette has been a shortstop his entire big-league life.
Even last year, when he played some second base late in the postseason after returning from a knee injury, his identity has always been built around being an infielder who lives in the middle of the diamond.
Now? He’s the Mets’ third baseman.
That’s not a small adjustment. Third base is reaction time, angles, instincts, arm strength under pressure — and the throws are different. The footwork is different. The entire rhythm is different.
And for a player who has been criticized by defensive metrics at shortstop for years, the move isn’t just about versatility.
It’s about survival.
Because in New York, “trying” isn’t enough. You either look like you belong… or the noise starts instantly.
That’s why skipping the WBC suddenly makes perfect sense.
Bichette isn’t just preparing for Opening Day. He’s preparing for scrutiny.
The Mets Want the Version of Bichette That Changes Everything
The Mets didn’t sign Bo Bichette to be “good.”
They signed him to be the difference.
Last season, he was exactly that type of player — slashing .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs, finishing second to Aaron Judge in the AL batting title race.
That’s superstar production.
And now the Mets are asking him to bring that bat to Queens while also reinventing himself defensively.
It’s a lot.
The WBC would’ve added more travel, more intensity, more game-speed reps in March — and more injury risk. For pitchers, that risk is always talked about, but position players aren’t immune either.
All it takes is one awkward slide, one bad hop, one throw on the run… and the entire Mets plan changes.
Quietly, This Decision Signals Something Bigger
Bichette skipping the WBC isn’t just about rest.
It’s a message.
He’s treating his first spring training with the Mets like an audition — even if the contract says he doesn’t need one.
Because in reality, he does.
He needs to prove he can handle third base.
He needs to prove his body is right.
He needs to prove he can thrive under New York pressure.
And maybe most of all, he needs to prove that this wasn’t just a big signing…
…it was the start of something real.
The WBC dream can wait.
The Mets season can’t.
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