Bo Bichette to the Mets: A Power Move That Could Spark a Bigger Domino Effect
The Mets didn’t land Kyle Tucker. The Dodgers swooped in with a four-year, $240 million offer and snatched the slugger right out from under them.
But in typical Steve Cohen fashion, the Mets didn’t spend much time licking their wounds. Instead, they pivoted-and pivoted big.
New York locked in All-Star infielder Bo Bichette on a three-year, $126 million deal, a move that not only reshapes their infield but could also set the stage for a blockbuster trade involving one of the league’s most intriguing arms.
Let’s break it down.
Bichette in Queens: A Short-Term Deal with Long-Term Implications
Bichette was heavily linked to the Phillies, who reportedly offered more guaranteed money over a longer term. But the Mets offered something just as valuable: flexibility.
The deal pays Bichette $42 million annually and includes opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. That kind of structure gives Bichette the chance to bet on himself while giving the Mets a high-ceiling talent without locking into a long-term commitment.
It’s a win-now move for a team that’s clearly not interested in a rebuild. And it’s the kind of aggressive, high-upside signing that’s become a hallmark of the Cohen era.
But where does Bichette fit?
A Crowded Infield Gets Even Tighter
Heading into the offseason, the Mets’ infield was already a puzzle. Francisco Lindor had shortstop locked down.
Jeff McNeil was penciled in at second. Brett Baty was still trying to stake his claim at third, and the first base situation was in limbo with Pete Alonso heading into free agency.
Fast forward to now, and the picture looks drastically different.
- Brandon Nimmo was traded to Texas for Marcus Semien, who slots in at second.
- Pete Alonso signed a five-year deal with the Orioles.
- Jorge Polanco was brought in as a potential first baseman-even though he’s never played the position in his 12-year career.
- And Jeff McNeil was shipped to Oakland for a teenage pitching prospect.
Now, with Bichette in the fold, the Mets reportedly plan to slide him over to third base, keeping Lindor at short, Semien at second, and Polanco likely at first.
That leaves Baty and Mark Vientos-two young, promising bats-without everyday roles. And that’s where things get even more interesting.
Freddy Peralta Trade Watch: Heating Up
The Mets have been circling Brewers starter Freddy Peralta for weeks. Even after the Tucker deal, reports indicated that New York remained interested. Now, with Bichette on board and a logjam in the infield, the dots are starting to connect.
Milwaukee has been quietly looking for a third base upgrade. Caleb Durbin had a breakout 2025 season and even finished as a Rookie of the Year finalist, but there are questions about whether he’s a long-term answer at the hot corner or more of a utility piece. That uncertainty could make someone like Baty or Vientos very appealing.
The Mets, meanwhile, need starting pitching. Badly. And while they have the financial muscle to chase top-tier arms like Framber Valdez, adding a $42 million salary for Bichette might make a trade route more attractive-especially when Peralta is owed just $8 million in 2026.
It’s a classic case of needs aligning. The Mets have infielders to spare.
The Brewers have pitching to deal. And both front offices-David Stearns in New York and Matt Arnold in Milwaukee-know each other well from their time together with the Brewers.
What Comes Next?
The Mets’ infield makeover is nearly complete, but their rotation still has holes. And while it’s always dangerous to assume Cohen is done spending, a trade for Peralta makes a lot of sense. He’s cost-controlled, effective, and would immediately slot in as a top-three arm in the Mets’ rotation.
If a deal does go down, don’t be surprised if it includes one of Baty or Vientos heading to Milwaukee, where they’d have a clearer path to everyday reps and could inject some much-needed pop into the Brewers’ lineup.
For now, the Mets have made their move. Bo Bichette is in Queens.
The infield is loaded. And the stove?
It’s still red-hot.