Bo Bichette Joins the Mets After Kyle Tucker Miss: Inside Steve Cohen’s Rapid Offseason Pivot
Steve Cohen doesn’t like losing. That much is clear.
When Kyle Tucker chose the Dodgers over the Mets and Blue Jays in free agency, the Mets’ owner didn’t mince words. “I actually went to bed annoyed,” Cohen admitted Monday at spring training, speaking candidly about the one that got away.
But Cohen didn’t stay annoyed for long.
Within minutes of Tucker’s decision going public, the Mets’ front office was already fielding calls. One of them came from the camp of Bo Bichette - and that conversation escalated quickly. The result: a three-year, $126 million deal that brings the All-Star shortstop to Queens and instantly reshapes the Mets’ infield.
“I was getting calls from agents literally five minutes later,” Cohen said. “The agent for Bo had called us right after, and discussions started.
You never know how they’re going to go. They moved really quickly.”
A New-Look Mets Roster
The Mets are entering 2026 with a dramatically different roster than the one that fell just short of the postseason last year. And that’s not an exaggeration - this team has been overhauled from the top down.
Gone are some of the franchise’s most recognizable names:
- Edwin Díaz, the flame-throwing closer, signed with the Dodgers.
- Brandon Nimmo, a longtime staple in the outfield, was traded to the Texas Rangers.
- Pete Alonso, the heart of the Mets’ lineup for years, took his power bat to Baltimore.
- Luisangel Acuña, once a prized prospect, was dealt to the White Sox.
In their place? A wave of new talent - and a clear signal that the Mets aren’t interested in another near-miss.
Luis Robert Jr. arrives from Chicago in the Acuña deal, bringing elite defense and dynamic power to center field. Marcus Semien, acquired in the Nimmo trade, adds veteran leadership and consistent production at second base.
Jorge Polanco steps in at first base, giving the infield a steady, experienced presence. And Devin Williams, one of the nastiest relievers in the game, takes over closing duties from Díaz.
And, of course, there’s Bo Bichette - a high-impact bat with postseason experience and the kind of swagger that fits in New York.
The Big Picture
Let’s be honest: the Mets’ 2025 season ended with a thud. After a rollercoaster year, they missed the playoffs in the final weekend - a gut punch for a team with championship aspirations.
Now, the front office has responded with bold, calculated moves. These aren’t just flashy names - they’re players with proven track records, brought in to win now.
Still, there’s no guarantee that the sum of these parts will immediately click. Chemistry takes time.
Adjustments are inevitable. But the ambition is undeniable.
Steve Cohen went to bed annoyed once this offseason. If the Mets fall short again in 2026, he might not sleep at all.