Bo Bichette's Expected Decision Could Complicate Mets Plans

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Bo Bichette's Expected Decision Could Complicate Mets Plans

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nicholas Covone | Last updated Aug 21, 2026 12:02 PM ET

The New York Mets have not had the season they were hoping during their huge roster shakeup last offseason.

After losing players like first baseman Pete Alonso and outfielder Brandon Nimmo, the Mets made a splash and stole former Toronto Blue Jay Bo Bichette from the market. They signed the 28-year-old to a shocking three-year, $126 million contract. The contract included an opt-out after every season.

The Mets plan confused many as they flipped the shortstop into a third baseman, but they were only worried about his consistent bat-to-ball skills.

Skills that did not translate to Queens early on in the season and may have tanked his opportunity at a long-term deal with another team this fall.

Despite hitting to a .311 batting average in his last 30 games, he is still slashing just .266/.314/.388, a .702 OPS, on the season with 12 home runs and 64 RBIs.

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, “The chances for Bo Bichette to opt out with $84 million and another opt-out opportunity are zero…”

https://t.co/hrenEYraxW MLB notes: Thoughts on Bichette, Green, Cora, Polanco, Alonso, etc.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 21, 2026

Bichette keeping that $84 million on the Mets books will heavily limit the organization from making a big move this offseason.

The Mets desperately need to acquire starting pitching, with them still expected to be in on back-to-back Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.

They may struggling in the bidding war for Skubal and other top stars due to Bichette’s contract, even if owner Steve Cohen has shown he is not afraid to spend.

The team may have to turn to other, cheaper options at pitching this offseason if the report on Bichette stands true.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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