Oct 26, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo BIchette (11) takes batting practice during World Series workouts prior to game three against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

How Bo Bichette will impact Mets clubhouse chemistry

Originally posted on New York Mets on SI | By Grant Young | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 2:00 PM ET

On January 16, news broke that the New York Mets signed star former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract in free agency.

This was a massive signing for the Mets for several reasons. One was that this team needed an impact bat to lengthen their lineup after losing Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Jeff McNeil this offseason, and Bichette is one of the best pure hitters in all of baseball. What's more, New York's front office surely felt like it had to make a splash after losing out on Kyle Tucker, who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers the night before the Mets came to terms with Bichette.

There had been a lot of pressure on David Stearns to make a big move after how the offseason had gone before this Bichette news broke, so that was surely another reason why this signing made waves.

When entering this offseason, David Stearns was very vocal about his desire to improve the Mets' defense. Bringing Bichette on board does not fit that desire, as he has been a below-average defender throughout his big league career and will not be transitioning to third base, which is a completely new position for him.

But perhaps even more important than improving the Mets' defense was improving their clubhouse chemistry. While Stearns hasn't been as vocal about this, various reports have suggested that something was wrong with New York's clubhouse in 2025, which could have contributed to theier second half collpase. And the Mets parting ways with several key pieces of that 2025 clubhouse this offseason suggests there's truth to this.

What will Bo Bichette's clubhouse presence be like?

Thankfully, it seems that Stearns kept this in mind when pursuing Bichette, as all indications are that he brings a positive clubhouse presence. A January 16 article from Will Sammon and Tim Britton of The Athletic noted that the Mets believe he will be "elite" in the locker room, which factored into their signing him.

Friendship is forever for Vladdy and Bo

(h/t: @thehazelmae) pic.twitter.com/s3EdakSEQG
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 17, 2026

A big storyline to follow throughout 2026 will be how the Mets gel with each other on and off the field, given everything that has been said about the team's disappointing 2025 campaign. Ultimately, all that matters is whether the players perform on the field, as off-field matters become redundant if the club is willing.

But those who have been in the locker room before know how important clubhouse chemistry is when trying to procure victories.

This article first appeared on New York Mets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: