Toronto Blue Jays free agent Bo Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets on Friday, per The Athletic’s Will Sammon.
Sammon reports the contract contains opt-out clauses after each of the first two years and does not include deferrals.
The move comes less than 24 hours after the Los Angeles Dodgers signed one of the Mets’ prime free agency targets, outfielder Kyle Tucker, to a four-year, $240 million deal.
Did Bichette Deserve Such a Big Contract?
Bichette, a shortstop, served as one of the top names available this winter, and is coming off of a monstrous season in Toronto. He played 139 games in 2025, missing the final month of the season and first three series of the postseason due to a knee injury, but still managed 18 home runs and 94 RBIs while batting .311, which matches a career-high.
The 27-year-old returned to the Blue Jays in the World Series, and was a thorn in the Dodgers’ side during the Fall Classic. He played all seven games, batting .348 with an OPS over .900. He hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the third inning of Game 7, putting the Dodgers at the huge deficit they would ultimately overcome.
More news: Dodgers Projected to Have Best Pitching Staff, Second-Best Offense in 2026
Where Does Bichette Fit With the Mets?
The Mets are more than set at shortstop, as they still have five-time All-Star Francisco Lindor set to man the position through the 2031 season. They have offseason additions Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco available to play second base as well.
Sammon reports Bichette is expected to play third base in the coming season, with utility man Brett Baty — who also spent a lot of time in the infield last season — getting time in the outfield.
“Bichette is expected to play third base for the Mets, a league source said,” Sammon wrote. “Brett Baty could see more action at left field.”
More news: Projected Dodgers Lineup After Blockbuster Kyle Tucker Deal
With the Dodgers’ strength in the offseason only increasing, it makes sense contenders like the Mets would begin strengthening themselves to compete with the defending World Champions. Even with an All-Star moving to a contender, the Dodgers’ goal remains the same for 2026: Bring a three-peat to Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
