Bo Bichette Turns the Page, Eyes Championship Run with Mets
NEW YORK - The image of the Dodgers celebrating on the Rogers Centre field after Game 7 of last year’s World Series isn’t going anywhere for Bo Bichette. That moment - the heartbreak of watching his Blue Jays fall just two outs shy of a title - is still fresh.
But now, in a new city, wearing a new jersey, Bichette is ready to chase that feeling again. This time, he wants to be the one celebrating.
On Wednesday, Bichette was officially introduced as the newest member of the New York Mets, donning No. 19 for the first time. And while the sting of last November still lingers, the move to Queens offers something of a reset - and, in Bichette’s mind, a real shot at redemption.
“My first priority is winning,” Bichette said. “This organization is doing everything they can to do that.”
Bichette’s deal with the Mets - a three-year, $126 million pact with opt-outs after each of the first two seasons - gives him flexibility. But make no mistake: he’s not viewing this as a short-term stop.
Despite interest from other contenders, including a reported seven-year, $200 million offer from the Phillies, Bichette chose the Mets. According to his agent, Greg Genske, that decision wasn’t about maximizing years or dollars.
“His commitment is to the Mets,” Genske said. “His desire is to be here. His desire is to compete for championships here.”
That commitment might raise eyebrows. After all, the Mets missed the playoffs in 2025 and didn’t exactly make a splash early this offseason.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays - the team that came within a breath of a title - bolstered their roster and look poised for another deep run. Bichette, sidelined with a knee injury for most of the postseason, returned just in time for the World Series but couldn’t change the outcome.
Still, Bichette sees something brewing in New York. And it starts at the top.
He pointed to the vision of owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns - a duo that’s made it clear they’re not interested in half-measures. For Bichette, that was the difference-maker.
“Mr. Cohen and David have put together an organization that is looking to win every single year, has an opportunity to win a World Series every single year and a roster that backs that up,” Bichette said.
That belief in the Mets’ direction also helped Bichette embrace a major change - shifting from shortstop, his natural position, to third base. It’s a move he was open to during free agency, but only if the destination gave him a legitimate shot at winning.
“I’m excited for the challenge,” he said. “It’s just like anything else - it’s gonna take work to be good at something. I’m willing to put in that work and we’ll get after it.”
That mindset fits right in with what the Mets are building. Their infield is suddenly stacked with elite defenders and athleticism.
Francisco Lindor remains the anchor at shortstop. Marcus Semien, another offseason addition, slots in at second.
And with Jorge Polanco shifting to first base, the Mets could roll out four natural shortstops across the infield on any given day.
That’s not just a fun trivia nugget - it’s a real strategic advantage, according to Stearns.
“There are going to be certain days this season, probably a lot of days, where we’re playing four shortstops on the infield,” Stearns said. “That’s a pretty distinct advantage.”
Of course, there’s a learning curve. Bichette knows that.
He singled out positioning, bunt defense, and the longer throw across the diamond as key adjustments he’ll need to make. But the Mets believe he has the tools - and the drive - to make it work.
Manager Carlos Mendoza, who’ll be hands-on with Bichette’s defensive development this spring, sees the athleticism and work ethic needed to smooth the transition.
“It’s a different angle that you could take from there,” Mendoza said. “But he’s athletic and has work ethic, a lot of the things that will make the transition hopefully a lot smoother.”
Offensively, Bichette joins a lineup that suddenly looks dangerous. Lindor, Semien, and Juan Soto already form a potent trio. Add Luis Robert Jr. - acquired in a recent trade with the White Sox - and Bichette in the mix, and the Mets have the kind of firepower that can change games quickly.
For Bichette, it’s a fresh start, but the mission hasn’t changed. He came painfully close to a championship last year. Now, he’s betting on the Mets to help him finish the job.
And if he’s right, that image of the Dodgers celebrating could be replaced by a new one - this time with Bichette in the middle of the dogpile.