Shortly after missing out on this year’s top free agent, the Mets immediately secured a high-profile acquisition. They showcased the financial backing of owner Steve Cohen by signing two-time All-Star infielder Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal, including an opt-out after two years. Bichette, who led MLB in hits in both 2021 and 2022 and rebounded strongly in 2025 following a down 2024, is the Mets’ fifth major free-agent signing this offseason, joining closer Devin Williams, and infielders Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, and reliever Luke Weaver.
Mets Director of Baseball Operations David Stearns has had an eventful offseason, making significant moves amid the team’s shifting core. Though spring training is still early, there remains plenty to do for the Mets and the league as a whole.
Key highlights include:
- Mets Bolster Their Lineup
Following Kyle Tucker’s decision to decline the Mets’ offer, New York pivoted quickly and landed Bichette, a formidable hitter and the next best free agent after Tucker. Though Bichette was initially expected to join the Phillies on a long-term contract, the Mets outbid them with a massive annual value of $42 million—over $15 million more than anticipated. This aggressive spending reflects the Mets’ urgency to compensate for offensive gaps after losing slugger Pete Alonso to the Orioles.
Despite the high price, the Mets earn credit for acquiring a dynamic young bat with a favorable short-term commitment. Bichette boasts a career slash line of .294/.337/.469 and an OPS+ of 121, making him an ideal fit. The Phillies were confident their seven-year, $200 million offer was sufficient as recently as Thursday night, but the Mets’ superior offer won out.
With Polanco, Semien, and Bichette, the Mets nearly replace the production lost with Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil, although outfield depth remains a concern. The starting rotation still needs reinforcement, a major factor behind the team missing the playoffs last season. Bichette is expected to play third base despite no professional experience there, possibly displacing Brett Batty to left field or prompting a trade. Polanco, primarily signed as a first baseman, has versatility but has also played as a designated hitter. The Mets’ plan hinges on the athleticism of both players to navigate these position changes in the pursuit of stronger run prevention, supported by a combined $166 million investment.
- Blue Jays’ Next Steps Without Bichette
While losing their homegrown shortstop to the Mets stings for Toronto fans, the Blue Jays have made significant moves this offseason, including signing infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year deal. Their strong ties to Tucker diminished any chances of reuniting with Bichette. Despite losing Tucker, the Blue Jays have bolstered their roster with Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rodgers, and Okamoto, well-positioned to remain contenders in the AL.
Bichette’s memorable three-run home run off Shohei Ohtani in the 2025 World Series remains a highlight. With his departure, players like Ernie Clement and Addison Berger are expected to fill roles at second base and right field, respectively. Though the loss of Bichette’s consistent production will be felt, Toronto plans to stay active in acquiring talent, possibly targeting free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger amid competition with the Yankees. After losing three of the top four free agents, they face fewer prime options moving forward.
- Phillies Adjust Plans Post-Bichette
Initially, Philadelphia didn’t seem like Bichette’s obvious destination due to having Trea Turner locked in long-term and Bryson Stott at second base, while Alec Bohm holds third base with one year remaining on his contract. However, the allure of Bichette’s bat encouraged talks earlier this week, nearly leading to a deal.
USA Today revealed Thursday night that the Phillies had agreed to Bichette’s demands for seven years and $200 million. Still, the Mets’ higher annual offer and shorter term swayed Bichette to change course. The Mets deal allows Bichette to re-enter the market during his late 20s or early 30s, when he could once again be one of the top available players.
Had Philadelphia signed him, they would have needed to shuffle their roster, likely trading Bohm and potentially moving veteran catcher JT Realmuto. Now, Bohm’s future looks stable, and the Phillies quickly re-signed Realmuto post-Bichette decision, signaling a shift towards continuity rather than change.
- Boston’s Dilemma After Missing Bregman
Having missed out on power hitters Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso earlier in free agency, Boston hoped retaining third baseman Alex Bregman would appease fans. Trading All-Star Rafael Devers after just one season and failing to secure Bregman undermines that plan.
With Bichette heading to the Mets, Boston’s best alternative at third base vanishes. Eugenio Suarez remains a possibility, potentially stepping up, as the young Marcelo Mayer, their former top prospect, struggled offensively in his rookie year. After once having both Devers and Bregman, the Red Sox now lack established options at third base. Though they’ve improved their pitching rotation, their offensive shortcomings this offseason raise questions about their competitiveness in a tough AL East.
- The Ripple Effects of the Tucker Agreement
With under a month before spring training, the market was still open for Tucker, Bichette, and leading catchers, but then a flurry of signings reshaped the landscape. Tucker’s blockbuster four-year, $240 million deal set a new MLB salary record, prompting the Mets to quickly sign Bichette and the Phillies to bring back Realmuto.
These moves mark the beginning of a thinning free-agent market among top position players. Cody Bellinger likely remains the highest-profile bat still available, with his price expected to rise following recent deals. His potential return to the Yankees remains plausible, though other teams seeking power might examine options like Eugenio Suarez. Meanwhile, top pitchers like Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen remain unsigned, keeping pitching acquisitions in focus.
Fan Take:
This whirlwind of offseason moves underscores how crucial big-name signings are for shaping MLB’s competitive landscape. For fans, the Mets securing Bichette signals a bold commitment to contend, while the domino effect across other top franchises promises an intriguing and unpredictable 2026 season.
