Bo Bichette and the New York Mets sealed a three-year, $126 million agreement on Tuesday evening. The contract had been agreed upon last week, pending a successful physical. Bichette chose the Mets over the Philadelphia Phillies and was introduced by the team at Citi Field on Wednesday.
As part of the deal, Bichette will receive a $40 million signing bonus on March 15, a $2 million salary for this year, and has $42 million player options for 2027 and 2028. If he opts out of either year, he will be given a $5 million buyout, paid in $1 million increments every July 1 from 2036 to 2040.
A two-time all-star shortstop with the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette will transition to third base with the Mets, where Francisco Lindor currently plays shortstop. Despite never having played at third base professionally, Bichette was lauded by Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns for his exceptional batting skills and competitive spirit.
Shortly after finalizing the deal with Bichette, the Mets made another significant move by acquiring center-fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for infielder Luisangel Acuna and minor league pitcher Truman Pauley.
With a full no-trade clause, Bichette’s $42 million average annual value ranks among the top in baseball history. His addition, along with Luis Robert, marks the latest key developments in an eventful off-season for the Mets, who made headlines by parting ways with popular players like Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz in free agency, as well as trading Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil.
In addition to Bichette and Robert, the Mets also signed closer Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract, infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal, and reliever Luke Weaver to a two-year, $22 million contract.
Bichette’s arrival provides the Mets with a skilled right-handed hitter to complement lefty slugger Juan Soto, despite his lack of power compared to Alonso. His transition to third base presents a new challenge for the Mets, who are focused on improving their defense, as emphasized by Stearns.
Bichette had an impressive season with the Blue Jays in 2022, boasting a .311 batting average, 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an .840 OPS in 139 games. Despite a late-season injury, Bichette’s stellar performance earned him recognition as a top hitter in the league.
Having declined a qualifying offer from the Blue Jays, Bichette’s move to the Mets will result in Toronto receiving an additional draft pick. Meanwhile, the Mets will forfeit certain draft picks and international signing bonus pool allocation as part of the agreement.
At 28 years old, Bichette, the son of former MLB player Dante Bichette, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Mets as he embarks on a new chapter in his career.