Ex-Blue Jays' star Bo Bichette signals intention to opt-in, likely frustrating Mets fans

We're not sure how many New York Mets fans have loved the addition of Bo Bichette. The former star shortstop of the Toronto Blue Jays hasn't exactly hit the ground running after signing a three-year $126 million deal. Through his first 46 games in Queens, Bichette is slashing .210/.262/.269 with a wRC+ of 54. Surprisingly, his defence has been miles ahead of his offensive production with a 3.0 defensive fWAR and a -11.3 offensive fWAR.

That's saying a lot, considering Bichette was moved to third base, a position he had never played at the big league level before, and during Spring Training and into the early parts of the season, things weren't looking so hot for at the hot corner. The glove work has improved, however, Bichette's offense has remained in a rut and it's not something that is lost on the 28-year-old.

But the saving grace for the fans may have been the opt-outs in the contract. However, after his most recent comments, it looks like Bichette won't even consider those opt-outs this offseason. Bichette recently told reporters "Any player would love them, to have control of their future... But when I signed here, I took it as a three-year deal."

Bichette's contract set up benefits him more than it benfits the Mets

At this rate there is no way Bichette will opt out of this deal and leave a guaranteed $55 million on the table for next season. Kyle Tucker of the LA Dodgers currently has a $55 million salary this season (in total cash - not counting signing bonus, endorsement deals or deferred salary). That's followed by Cody Bellinger of the New York Yankees ($52 million), Juan Soto of the Mets ($46 million) and Bichette ($42 million).

Bichette's market for anyone willing to pay more than $55 million would already be extremely thin even if he was playing well. If Bichette looked more like the guy that finished second in the league in hits in 2025 and was closer to his career .294/.337/.469 slash line you might have a few suitors. Those would likely be the Dodgers, the Yankees, the Mets (on a new deal) and then perhaps the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres depending on where they think they could fit Bichette within their current constraints.

But with Bichette underperforming, that list of suitors likely dwindles maybe two teams, the Yankees and the Dodgers who would probably only offer a similar deal to Bichette, one that was laden with opt-outs. Both those teams would not only be willing to pay the cash because they can both afford it, but also could eat a one year salary if they can't turn his game around.

Knowing that his options have been limited, Bichette has to try and make good on his current situation. Even if he didn't believe that it was a three year deal going into 2026, he has to come out and say that to try and recuperate some good will amongst his new fan base.

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