The 2026 season hasn’t gone how the Mets or Bo Bichette envisioned.
Bichette, who was so close to winning the World Series with the Blue Jays last season, signed with the Mets because he viewed it as an opportunity to win.
It’s been tough sledding for Bichette and the team this season. Even after signing the All-Star infielder to a lucrative deal this offseason, along with other notable additions, the Mets find themselves 16 games below .500, even after completing their three-game sweep of the Guardians on Thursday.
The Mets dealt many of their pieces at the deadline, leaving some veterans and kids to finish out the season.
Bichette, who signed a three-year, $126 million contract, has opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo asked Bichette about that option and whether he will use it this offseason, but the converted third baseman said he’s focused solely on finishing the season strong.
“The way I look at it is, I think there’s no doubt this team is going to be better next year,” Bichette said. “I really believe that. There’s still a lot of talent in this room, a lot of young talent that’s really hungry, combined with guys that have been around who have done a lot of great things in this game. And then on top of that, typically when you have a season like this, people show up a little bit more motivated. So I think that this group is going to be well prepared to be better next year.”
If Bichette doesn’t opt out, he’ll make $55.3 million in 2027. After a rollercoaster 2026, Bichette will likely remain in Queens instead of testing free agency.
To Bichette’s credit, he’s overcome a terrible start to the season, but hasn’t been consistent enough to hit the numbers he’s put up in his career. After a successful series in Cleveland, where he went 5-for-14 with a home run and three RBI, he’s slashing .257/.301/.370 with an OPS of .671.
The Mets are looking to compete in 2027 and if Bichette stays, he’ll be one of the players looked upon to help make the turnaround happen. A strong finish will go a long way towards that.
“It hasn’t been my best season for sure,” Bichette said. “If I played better, maybe the season would be different for the team. But just focused on trying to finish strong.”
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