Bo Bichette's journey with the New York Mets has been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. Starting off with just two hits in his first 22 at-bats, Bichette's early struggles were a stark contrast to the expectations that came with his high-profile free-agent signing. As April wrapped up, his batting average was a mere .091, with no extra-base hits to his name, sparking questions about his hefty contract.
It's not just the fans who were wondering if the investment was worth it. The Mets' management and even Bichette himself were left pondering the same.
By the time Sunday rolled around, Bichette had improved to a .254 average, with 10 homers and 46 RBIs. However, with an eye-popping $42 million annual salary over the next three years, his performance still earned him a D+ in terms of production and impact on the lineup.
That sluggish start has been a shadow over both Bichette and the Mets. Yet, June has been a different story for the shortstop.
He's been on a tear, batting .340 with five home runs and 18 RBIs leading into the weekend showdown against the Phillies at Citi Field. But even a hot streak can't undo all the damage from the early season woes, including the dismissal of manager Carlos Mendoza amidst a six-game losing streak.
Reflecting on Mendoza's firing, Bichette shared, "It's unfortunate. Mendy was good to me.
I guess sometimes the manager has to take the fall for the team underperforming." It's clear that Bichette includes himself in that assessment.
The contract Bichette signed last offseason, a three-year, $126 million deal, offers opt-outs after each season. Rumors are swirling that Bichette might test the free agency waters again next winter. However, unless he maintains his current upswing and the Mets make a significant turnaround, staying put might be his best financial move.
As Steve Phillips from MLB Network Radio pointed out, "I really can’t imagine why any executive would think that the season he’s having would be worthy of opting out." With the kind of season he's having, the chances of finding another $40 million-a-year deal seem slim. In fact, even securing a $20 million-a-year offer might be a stretch if things don't change.
Bichette's story with the Mets is still unfolding, and the next few months will be crucial in determining both his and the team's future. For now, all eyes are on Bichette as he aims to turn his season around and prove his worth in the Big Apple.
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