Bo Bichette’s future with the New York Mets has become one of the biggest offseason questions surrounding the club, and one prominent message could have a major impact on his decision.
Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets last winter, but the deal includes opt-out opportunities after both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. He is currently facing a decision that could determine whether he remains in Queens or returns to the free-agent market.
$42 Million Decision Looms
If Bichette stays with the Mets, he is scheduled to earn $42 million in each of the next two seasons, leaving $84 million guaranteed on the table.
But John Harper of SNY recently offered a blunt assessment: Bichette should seriously consider staying with New York because he may not be able to command another $42 million annually on the open market.
The argument comes down to Bichette’s uneven first season.
MLB.com recently noted that his production had fallen below expectations, with Bichette carrying a .705 OPS at the time of its analysis. The publication also pointed out that his move from shortstop to third base had not produced a dramatic defensive breakthrough.
Free Agency Could Still Change Everything
There is another side to the debate.
Newsday’s David Lennon believes Bichette could actually outperform the remaining $84 million on his contract because the upcoming free-agent class may lack many marquee names.
Bichette has also dramatically improved after his difficult start. According to the latest report, he has hit around .300 since June 12, showing signs of returning to the offensive player the Mets expected when they signed him.
That resurgence could make the decision considerably more difficult.
Mets Have a Major Decision Too
The situation isn’t simply about what Bichette wants.
The Mets must also determine whether committing $42 million annually to the third baseman remains the right move as they attempt to build a stronger roster for 2027.
Bichette has shown that he can handle third base better than some initially expected. He has also demonstrated improved offensive production following his disastrous opening months.
Still, his overall season has not yet reached the level many expected from a $42 million-per-year player.
Will Bichette Stay in New York?
The biggest question may be whether Bichette believes another team would offer him more than the $84 million remaining on his Mets contract.
If he opts out, he would be betting on his recent resurgence and the strength of the free-agent market.
If he stays, he would lock in $84 million over the next two seasons while giving himself another opportunity to rebuild his value before potentially reaching free agency again.
For now, the message is clear: Bichette may have a difficult time finding another $42 million-per-year deal if he walks away from the Mets.
But with his recent turnaround and a potentially weak free-agent class, the Mets star still has a legitimate case for testing the market.
The decision could ultimately become one of the defining moments of the Mets’ offseason.
