The New York Mets didn’t wait long to make waves after missing out on Kyle Tucker. Just hours after Tucker inked a blockbuster $240 million deal with the Dodgers, the Mets pivoted fast-and bold-landing Bo Bichette on a $126 million deal that turned heads across the league.
It was a move that sent a jolt through the NL East, especially considering Bichette had been heavily linked to the Phillies in recent days. But instead of heading to Philly, the former Blue Jays shortstop is heading to Queens, giving the Mets a dynamic bat and a fresh jolt of star power in their infield.
Not everyone’s applauding the move, though. Former Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. didn’t hold back on The Phillies Show podcast, calling the Mets’ decision a “panic move” and suggesting the deal was a dramatic overpay compared to what Philadelphia had on the table. Amaro pointed to the luxury tax implications-saying the contract could balloon close to $100 million in 2026 alone-as a sign the Mets may have acted out of desperation.
But here’s the thing: calling this a panic move misses the bigger picture.
Yes, the price tag is steep. Yes, Bichette has an opt-out after just one season, which adds a layer of risk. But this isn’t just about dollars and cents-it’s about keeping pace in a National League that’s rapidly turning into an arms race, especially with the Dodgers going full throttle.
Bichette brings more than just a solid bat. He’s a 20-something with postseason experience, a proven top-of-the-order presence who can change a game with one swing.
The Phillies didn’t pursue him aggressively for nothing-they were reportedly ready to move pieces around to fit him into their lineup. That’s not something teams do lightly.
For the Mets, this wasn’t about reacting to losing Tucker. It was about recognizing that Bichette was the best available bat on the market and making a decisive move to get him. In a league where hesitation can leave you watching October from the couch, the Mets chose aggression.
David Stearns and Steve Cohen didn’t flinch. They saw a chance to add a young, impact hitter who fits both the present and, potentially, the future.
And while there’s risk-there always is with big-money deals-the upside is undeniable. Bichette can be a difference-maker in a lineup that needed a jolt.
So while some might call it a panic move, it looks more like a power play. The Mets didn’t just react-they reloaded.