The New York Mets have agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract with infielder Bo Bichette, just hours after losing out on outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Dodgers. The deal includes opt-outs after the first and second seasons and is pending a physical. Bichette, departing the Toronto Blue Jays, is expected to transition to third base for New York.
The Mets' swift pivot came less than 15 hours after Kyle Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite New York's offer of four years and $220 million to the outfielder. A source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand about the Bichette agreement, which marks a significant addition to the Mets' infield following trades of Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, and the acquisition of Marcus Semien in exchange for Nimmo.
Bichette, 27, had a strong 2025 season with the Blue Jays, slashing .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and 181 hits in 139 games before a knee injury sidelined him in early September. He returned for the World Series, hitting .348/.444/.478 with a three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7. Defensively, Bichette graded poorly at shortstop with -13 outs above average, and he has no prior professional experience at third base, though his arm strength is comparable to Alex Bregman's.
The move impacts the Mets' roster depth, particularly at third base where Brett Baty had a breakout year with 18 homers and +4 OAA. Baty, a 2019 first-round pick, may shift positions, play outfield, or become a trade chip with four years of control remaining. The Blue Jays, who tendered Bichette a $22.025 million qualifying offer he declined, will receive a draft pick after the fourth round in 2026.
New York's offense, led by Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, ranked sixth in wOBA last season. However, the team still seeks outfield help—potentially Cody Bellinger—and rotation reinforcements like Framber Valdez. For Toronto, losing Bichette ends a decade-long partnership with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., prompting pursuit of bats like Bellinger amid expiring contracts for Daulton Varsho and George Springer.
