The New York Mets just made a major splash - and they didn’t stop at one wave.
On Tuesday night, the Mets finalized a three-year, $126 million deal with two-time All-Star Bo Bichette, locking in one of the most consistent right-handed bats in the game. The contract includes a hefty $40 million signing bonus and a pair of $42 million player options for 2027 and 2028.
If Bichette opts out of either, he’ll still collect a $5 million buyout, paid out in $1 million installments from 2036 through 2040. Not a bad safety net.
This move didn’t come out of nowhere. The Mets had been circling Bichette for a while, and despite strong interest from division rival Philadelphia, Bichette chose Queens. He’ll be introduced Wednesday at Citi Field in what promises to be a headline-grabbing press conference.
Now here’s where it gets interesting: Bichette, who’s played shortstop exclusively since debuting with the Blue Jays, will slide over to third base. That’s uncharted territory for him - he’s never played a professional inning at the hot corner. But with Francisco Lindor entrenched at short, the Mets are betting on Bichette’s athleticism and instincts to carry over to the other side of the infield.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is clearly all-in on Bichette’s offensive upside. “Bo has distinguished himself as one of the best pure right-handed hitters in baseball,” Stearns said in a statement.
“He possesses the rare combination of elite bat-to-ball skills and power that will impact our lineup.” That’s not just front-office speak - it’s backed by Bichette’s track record.
Last season, he slashed .311/.340/.500 with 18 homers and 94 RBIs across 139 games for Toronto. He also delivered one of the biggest swings of the year - a three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7 of the World Series.
That kind of moment doesn’t just happen. It’s the product of a hitter who thrives under pressure.
But Stearns wasn’t done. Just two hours after the Bichette signing became official, the Mets pulled off another blockbuster, acquiring center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox in exchange for infielder Luisangel Acuña and minor league pitcher Truman Pauley. That’s two All-Star caliber players added to the roster in one night.
Bichette’s arrival comes amid a full-scale roster transformation in Queens. The Mets have let go of some major fan favorites this offseason - Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz both walked in free agency, and the team traded away longtime contributors Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil. That’s a bold approach, but it’s clear the front office is pivoting toward a new core.
To help stabilize the bullpen, New York signed closer Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million deal. They also brought in infielder Jorge Polanco on a two-year, $40 million contract and added righty reliever Luke Weaver for two years at $22 million.
Still, there are some defensive question marks. Bichette’s transition to third base is one of them.
While his bat is a clear upgrade, the learning curve at a new position - especially one as reaction-heavy as third - will be something to watch. And with Polanco having just one major league pitch at first base under his belt, the Mets are also figuring out how to replace Alonso’s glove and power in the lineup.
Mark Vientos, who’s bounced between corner infield spots, is in that mix too.
Bichette is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. He missed the tail end of the regular season after spraining his left knee in a collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells on September 6.
But he returned in time for the World Series, even playing second base in Game 1 - a position he hadn’t touched in six years. That kind of adaptability speaks volumes about his competitiveness and willingness to do what it takes to win.
Over his career, Bichette has been a model of consistency at the plate. He led the American League in hits in both 2021 and 2022, and last season, he finished second in the majors in batting average - trailing only Aaron Judge. He turned down a qualifying offer from the Blue Jays worth just over $22 million, signaling that he was ready for a bigger stage and a fresh start.
With the signing, the Blue Jays receive an extra draft pick after the fourth round this July. The Mets, meanwhile, forfeit their second- and fifth-highest draft picks and $1 million from their 2027 international bonus pool - a steep price, but one they’re clearly comfortable paying for proven talent.
Bichette, who turns 28 in March, leaves Toronto with a career .294 average, 111 home runs, and an .806 OPS over 748 games. He’s the son of former MLB slugger Dante Bichette, and while the family name carries weight, Bo’s made it clear he’s carving out his own legacy.
Now he brings that pedigree, that bat, and that drive to New York - and with it, a new chapter for the Mets.