Bo Bichette: Defensive Stats | WAR | Positions | Phillies | Mets | Wife

Bo Bichette has developed into one of the most exciting offensive players in Major League Baseball, yet his defensive reputation shapes much of the discourse about his overall value. From elite hitting to debates about his glove work and positional future — and recent offseason buzz with the Mets and Phillies — Bichette’s story is a multifaceted one.

In this deep-dive profile, we’ll explore:

• Who Bo Bichette is
• His statistical performance including WAR
• Defensive metrics and future positions
• How the Phillies and Mets factor into his free agency
• His personal life and marriage to Alexis

Who Is Bo Bichette? — A Quick Bio

Bo Joseph Bichette (born March 5, 1998) is an American professional baseball player known for his dynamic bat and energetic play. Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Bichette made his major league debut in 2019 and quickly became one of the league’s best contact hitters.

Highlights

• Position: Primarily shortstop

• Bats/Throws: Right/Right

• MLB Debut: July 29, 2019

• Teams: Toronto Blue Jays (2019–2025)

• All-Star: 2× (2021, 2023)

• Twice led the American League in hits early in his career.

Offensive Performance and WAR

Bichette’s offensive output has been elite throughout his career. In 2025, he hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 139 games — one of his best all-around seasons.

His career WAR (Wins Above Replacement) — which combines offense, defense, and baserunning into a single value — reflects his overall value on the field:

Baseball Reference lists his career WAR at about 21.0 through 2025, highlighting his overall major contribution as a player.

Defensive Stats — What the Numbers Say

While Bichette’s bat is undeniable, his defense has been a topic of debate among analysts and fans.

Traditional vs. Advanced Defensive Metrics

• Bichette has often produced below-average advanced defensive metrics:

  • Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): Negative overall for his career

  • Outs Above Average (OAA): Also low, indicating struggles making plays above average at shortstop

  • These figures suggest his glove work is a relative defensive weakness.

However, metrics vary year-to-year, and some fans point out improvements in recent seasons. Defensive reputation can also vary between observers and analytic tools. The overarching pattern remains: Bichette’s defense doesn’t match his offensive prowess. But his glove hasn’t been unplayable — and his athleticism still allows him to stay at premium defensive spots.

What Defensive WAR Suggests

Defensive value has impacted Bichette’s overall WAR:

• A 2025 defensive score that was below-average still resulted in a strong WAR (~3.8) due mainly to his offensive output.

Analysts project that if Bichette played a less demanding infield position (e.g., second base) more regularly, his defensive value (and thus WAR) might rise.

Position Flexibility — SS, 2B, 3B, and Beyond

Shortstop — His Primary Spot

• Bichette has spent the bulk of his career at shortstop, historically one of the toughest defensive positions.

• His offensive metrics at SS are elite, but his defense is below average by advanced standards.

Second Base — Hypothetical Value

• Some analysts suggest that moving him to second base could improve his defensive metrics and boost overall WAR, since second base is generally less demanding.

Third Base — Mets Proposal

Breaking MLB News — As of January 2026, the New York Mets are reportedly moving Bichette to third base as part of his contract there, because they already have Francisco Lindor as their shortstop.

This shift makes positional versatility crucial for Bichette — and could reshape his defensive evaluation going forward.

Free Agency: Phillies vs. Mets

Mets Make Their Move

After a strong 2025 campaign, Bichette entered free agency. On January 16, 2026, reports confirmed that the New York Mets signed him to a three-year, $126 million contract with opt-outs — making him a key part of their infield plans.

The Mets reportedly plan to shift him to third base, with Francisco Lindor holding down shortstop.

Phillies Interest

The Philadelphia Phillies were also heavily linked to Bichette in free agency, considering a long-term deal before the Mets captured his services. After missing out, they re-signed J.T. Realmuto to remain competitive in the NL East.

This inter-divisional bidding war elevated Bichette’s profile and highlighted how highly teams value his bat despite defensive questions.

Personal Life — Marriage and Wife

Beyond baseball, Bo Bichette’s personal life made headlines in early 2026:

Marriage to Alexis

• In January 2026, Bo Bichette married his longtime partner, Alexis. They had been together for several years but kept their relationship largely private.

• Alexis rarely shares details publicly, and most information about her comes from the occasional photo or mention in press coverage.

Their wedding was attended by teammates and marked a milestone in Bichette’s life off the field.

Career Summary — Stats Overview

These numbers validate Bichette as one of his generation’s most productive offensive players.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

• Elite offensive production with excellent contact skills

• Consistent hit totals and strong on-base percentages

• Baseball IQ and grind at the plate

Weaknesses

• Defensive metrics suggest below-average performance at shortstop

• Injuries have occasionally impacted playing time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What position does Bo Bichette play?

Bo Bichette has spent most of his career at shortstop, but recent reports indicate he’ll play third base with the Mets. He has also filled in at second base in postseason play.

2. How good are Bo Bichette’s defensive stats?

Advanced metrics like DRS and OAA have generally rated his defense as below average at shortstop, though his bat often outweighs this in WAR calculations.

3. What is Bichette’s career WAR?

His career WAR through 2025 is approximately 21.0, reflecting strong offensive value and average-to-below defensive contributions.

4. Did the Phillies sign Bo Bichette?

No — the Mets signed Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal, though the Phillies were interested earlier in free agency.

5. Who is Bo Bichette’s wife?

Bichette married his long-time partner Alexis in January 2026 — she generally maintains a private life.

Conclusion

Bo Bichette remains one of the most fascinating players in MLB — a phenomenal offensive talent whose defensive reputation sparks debate. His positional future with the New York Mets, tied to their offseason plans, shows that teams are willing to adapt his role to maximize value. Meanwhile, his personal life — including marriage to Alexis — adds a human side to the superstar.