Less than 24 hours after losing the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, the Mets quickly pivoted to Bo Bichette, one of the best bats left on the free agent market. Bichette and the Mets came to terms on a three-year, $126 million contract Friday morning, a source confirmed to the Daily News.
While there isn’t any deferred money, the contract includes opt-outs after the first and second seasons, allowing Bichette to seek a bigger deal if he chooses. It’s a relatively safe play for both parties, especially since the Mets have a glut of infielders already, and a few coming through the minor leagues that the organization would like to hold on to.
The Mets still might have to trade an infielder, especially since they only have two outfielders on the roster at the moment. Still, Bichette’s right-handed power bat balances the lineup and gives some protection to Juan Soto near the top of the order. The 27-year-old son of former MLB outfielder Dante Bichette, Bo was a two-time All-Star for the Toronto Blue Jays and often received MVP votes. Last season, Bichette hit .311 with an .840 OPS, 18 home runs and 94 RBI, amassing 3.5 bWAR. Over seven seasons with the Blue Jays, Bichette hit .294 with an .806 OPS.
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