Bo Bichette exercises $42M option to stay with Mets despite 'disastrous' debut season

Bo Bichette is staying in Queens. The infielder exercised his $42 million player option for the 2027 season, keeping him with the New York Mets despite a rocky first year. The New York Post confirmed the decision, noting it was first reported by The Athletic ^[1]. ESPN sources also verified the move, confirming Bichette’s return to the roster ^[2].

This decision provides much-needed stability to a Mets lineup that struggled through a disastrous 2026 campaign. General Manager David Stearns previously acknowledged that too much upheaval contributed to the team’s failure ^[1]. With Bichette back, the Mets can focus their offseason efforts on pitching needs rather than everyday position players.

Bichette, 28, signed a three-year deal last winter after missing out on Kyle Tucker in free agency ^[1]. The New York Post reported the contract value as three years and $126 million, while ESPN reported it as three years and $142 million, a discrepancy that has not been confirmed ^[2]. ESPN also noted Bichette was converted from shortstop to third base. His initial months in New York were rough; he was booed at Citi Field and hit just .219 with a .583 OPS through June. However, he rebounded strongly, posting a .284 average and .772 OPS from June through September.

Despite Bichette’s late-season surge, the Mets finished 74-88 and last in the National League East ^[2]. Injuries to stars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, along with underperformance from other veterans, derailed the offense. The team carried the second-highest payroll in the majors but missed the playoffs for the second straight year.

The weak free agent market likely influenced Bichette’s choice. With only Jazz Chisholm Jr., Luis Arráez, and Brandon Lowe available as top infielders, opting out might not have yielded a significant pay increase ^[1]. Bichette told the Post’s Mike Puma that the first three months were difficult but expressed confidence in the team’s future.

Looking ahead, the Mets’ primary needs are at the top of the rotation and in the bullpen ^[1]. The lineup is expected to feature Bichette, Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and rising stars Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing. With manager Andy Green returning, the focus now shifts to fixing the pitching staff that failed to support a high-priced offense.