The New York Mets didn’t waste any time responding after missing out on Kyle Tucker. Less than 24 hours after the star outfielder chose the Dodgers over Steve Cohen’s offer, the Mets made a statement of their own - and it came in the form of one of the best pure hitters in baseball.
Bo Bichette is headed to Queens.
The Mets have agreed to a three-year, $126 million deal with the former Blue Jays shortstop, a move that adds some serious offensive firepower to a lineup that’s been in need of a jolt. Bichette, who’s been a model of consistency at the plate since his debut in 2019, now joins a revamped Mets infield that’s suddenly brimming with talent.
A Deal Built for Flexibility - and Firepower
Bichette’s contract is structured with opt-outs after both the 2026 and 2027 seasons, giving him the flexibility to re-enter free agency if he continues to perform at an elite level. He also secured a full no-trade clause and no deferrals - a clear sign of the Mets’ commitment to making him a centerpiece of their current core.
At $42 million per year, Bichette now ranks among the game’s highest-paid players in terms of average annual value - trailing only Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Tucker, and tying Zack Wheeler. That’s elite company, and it speaks to both Bichette’s track record and the belief that he can continue to produce at a high level as he enters his prime.
From Toronto to Queens: A Proven Bat
Bichette’s 2025 season was shaping up to be one of his best yet. He was on pace for 200 hits before a knee injury in early September sidelined him for the final stretch of the regular season. But when he returned in the World Series, he didn’t miss a beat - showing teams that the injury wasn’t going to be a long-term concern.
Across seven seasons with the Blue Jays, Bichette put together a .294 career batting average with 111 home runs and 437 RBIs in 748 games. He led the American League in hits twice and earned All-Star nods in 2021 and 2023. His offensive profile is built around elite bat-to-ball skills, gap power, and a knack for coming through in big moments.
He’s not a slugger in the traditional sense, but he doesn’t have to be. Bichette's value lies in his ability to consistently put the ball in play, work counts, and find holes in the defense - traits that are becoming increasingly rare in today’s game. In an era dominated by strikeouts and three true outcomes, Bichette brings a refreshing approach to the plate.
A New Role in a New Infield
While Bichette has spent his entire career at shortstop, he’s expected to slide over to third base with the Mets. Francisco Lindor remains entrenched at short, and the recent addition of Marcus Semien at second base rounds out what could be one of the most talented infields in the National League.
Defensively, Bichette took a step back in 2025, and the move to third could help ease some of the pressure on his range and footwork. It also gives the Mets a chance to maximize his offensive production without overextending him on the field.
What the Mets Are Getting
This isn’t just a reactionary move after missing out on Tucker - it’s a calculated addition of a player who fits both the short-term and long-term vision for the club. Bichette is 27 now and will turn 28 before Opening Day. If he plays out all three years of the deal, he’ll hit free agency again at age 30 - still young enough to command another significant contract.
And for Bichette, this is a chance to reset the market. If he thrives in New York, he could opt out after one or two seasons and cash in again. It’s a win-win structure that gives the Mets a high-level bat without locking them into a long-term deal that could age poorly.
A Look Back - and Ahead
Bichette was drafted by Toronto in 2016 and spent his entire career with the Blue Jays until now. He was a key part of the team’s run to the World Series in 2025 and leaves behind a legacy as one of the most productive hitters in franchise history.
This new chapter with the Mets gives him a fresh stage - and a bigger spotlight. Citi Field hasn’t seen playoff baseball in a while, but with Bichette now joining Lindor, Semien, and a front office clearly willing to spend, the expectations are rising fast.
The Mets may have missed on Kyle Tucker, but they didn’t stay down for long. In Bo Bichette, they’ve landed a star who can help change the tone of the franchise - and maybe even the trajectory.