Bichette Expected to Stay With Mets for 2027

Bo Bichette is expected to exercise his player option and remain with the New York Mets for the 2027 season, taking a $42 million salary instead of entering free agency, according to a report by Will Sammon. The decision has not been directly confirmed by Bichette or the team. Bichette’s contract is a three-year, $126 million deal with an opt-out after each season. By staying for 2027, he passes up his first opportunity to opt out. He will have another chance to leave after next season or, under the reported terms, exercise a second $42 million player option for 2028. The 28-year-old joined the Mets after helping the Toronto Blue Jays reach Game 7 of the previous World Series. His first season in New York produced a .260/.312/.390 batting line and 18 home runs. One account put his total at 698 plate appearances, while another reported 696; both gave the same batting line and home-run total. Bichette’s season began slowly. He hit .210/.264/.271 through May 16, then batted .280/.331/.438 for the rest of the season, according to one account. His overall production was close to league average, and assessments of his defense at third base varied. He had moved to the position after...