The New York Mets may have missed out on Kyle Tucker-who landed a jaw-dropping $60 million per year deal with the Dodgers-but they didn’t waste any time pivoting. The very next morning, they made a splash of their own, locking in Bo Bichette on a three-year, $126 million contract.
That move alone would’ve been enough to signal a serious intent to contend. But if you thought the Mets were done spending, think again.
According to reports, the Mets aren’t just staying active-they’re still hunting for more impact bats, and they’re not letting Bichette’s $42 million AAV slow them down. In fact, the loss of Tucker may have only sharpened their focus. Cody Bellinger, the top remaining free agent on the board, is very much in their sights.
Here’s what makes this interesting: the Mets were reportedly willing to go up to $55 million annually for Tucker. That tells us two things.
First, they’re not afraid to spend at the top of the market. Second, they still have financial flexibility to make another major move, even after handing Bichette one of the richest deals of the offseason.
Bellinger, with his power, defense, and positional versatility, would be a natural fit in Queens. But if the price or years get too high, the Mets have other options. Free agents like Eugenio Suárez or Harrison Bader could be more cost-effective alternatives, though they’d represent more of a complementary piece than a cornerstone.
That said, the trade market might be where things really get interesting. Luis Robert Jr. is one name that’s been floated, and if the White Sox are open for business, that’s a player who could dramatically change the Mets’ lineup.
Another intriguing possibility is Jarren Duran. The cost there could be steep-possibly even Brett Baty-but if the Mets are serious about making a statement this offseason, that’s the kind of bold move that fits the bill.
And let’s not forget: the Mets are also in the market for a front-line starter. So even as they search for another bat to pair with Bichette, they’re keeping an eye on the rotation too. That’s a lot of irons in the fire for a team that’s clearly not content to sit back and watch the rest of the league load up.
Bottom line? The Mets are still in go-mode.
Bichette might’ve been the headline, but it doesn’t look like the final chapter. Whether it’s Bellinger, a trade for a big bat, or a surprise move no one sees coming, New York’s front office is staying aggressive.
They’ve made it clear: this winter is about building a contender-and they’re not done yet.