The New York Mets have certainly kept fans on their toes this offseason. While there were only six major league contracts added, it’s the trades that really turned heads. But today, let’s dive into the free agent deals, focusing on the standout signing of Bo Bichette.
Bo Bichette: A-
Bichette's signing is the headline grabber, with a hefty three-year, $126 million contract. The structure is interesting-$42 million for this year, with a $5 million bonus if he opts out after 2026. Essentially, it’s a one-year, $47 million commitment.
Losing Kyle Tucker to the Dodgers was a blow, but Bichette was a logical pursuit. Though he’s stepping into third base, not his natural position, this move shakes up the roster significantly.
Brett Baty is now more of a utility player, seeing action in right field and possibly first base. Meanwhile, Mark Vientos might find his opportunities limited with Bichette in the mix.
What Bichette brings is a potent mix of power and average, filling the void left by Pete Alonso. The Mets are trading about 25 home runs for a 40-point boost in batting average. It’s a shift in strategy, but one that could pay off.
The short-term nature of the deal is a talking point-some see it as a risk, others as a smart contingency. With limited options after missing out on Tucker, the Mets acted decisively.
The A- grade reflects the potential upside, tempered by the uncertainty of Bichette’s transition to third base. If all else fails, he could always slide into the DH spot.
In essence, the Mets have positioned themselves for a new chapter, and Bichette is set to be a central figure in this unfolding story.