Bo Bichette's new contract reveals why the Blue Jays interest in him softened
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Bo Bichette's new deal with the New York Mets reveals what the free agent was looking for, and it was obviously out of the Toronto Blue Jays comfort zone.
Blue Jays fans went from being disappointed when Kyle Tucker signed a four-year deal with the Dodgers on Friday, to being stunned when they found out Bo Bichette has agreed to join the New York Mets on a three-year deal.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports the deal is for $126 million over the three years, with opt-outs after years one and two.
Source confirms Bichette deal with Mets, first reported by Will Sammon, is for three years, $126M. No deferrals. Opt-outs after years one and two.
The deal also includes a $5 million opt-out bonus and a full no-trade clause, per the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
Bichette has No deferrals. Plus $5m opt out bonus.
After playing almost exclusively shortstop with the Blue Jays, Bichette is expected to play third base with the Mets, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported.
Bo Bichette is expected to play third base for the Mets, source says.
Blue Jays interest in Bichette may have fizzled after free agent's number and terms were revealed
When it was reported that Bichette was seeking a contract north of $300 million it revealed what he thinks he's worth.
The Mets feel Bichette is worth $47 million in 2026 ($5 million signing bonus), $42 million in 2027, and another $42 million in 2028.
I'm not a betting man but I can't see the Blue Jays handing Bichette $42 million a year, even on a shirt-term deal.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr's AVV is $35 million, so the Blue Jays are probably out of their comfort zone with Bichette's number.
Secondly, with Bichette having opt-outs in year one and year two of his contract he can become a free agent next season or the next at 28 years old.
These are definitely huge red flags for the Blue Jays when it comes value and terms.
The Mets, who've had a disastrous winter, have now made Bichette their off-season crown jewel.
Bo Bichette era with Toronto Blue Jays is officially over
Bichette joins the Mets after spending the first seven years of his career with the Blue Jays.
The 27-year-old enjoyed an excellent 2025, hitting .311 with 18 homers, 94 RBIs and a .357 OBP before he sprained his left knee on Sept. 6 in a game against the New York Yankees.
He returned in time for the World Series, hitting .348 and launching a three-run home run early in Game 7 that, for a while, seemed destined for franchise lore.
Blue Jays Bo Bichette: First 3-Run Home Run in Game 7 of a World Series
since Julian Javier (Cardinals) in 1967
since Julian Javier (Cardinals) in 1967
During the World Series, he reiterated his desire to stay in Toronto. But now he leaves to join New York.
Bichette debuted with the Blue Jays in 2019 after being selected in the second round, 66th overall, in the 2016 draft.
Alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr., he formed the core of this Blue Jays era, reaching the playoffs three times but failing to win a post-season game before the World Series breakthrough.
Outside of an injury-riddled 2024 season, Bichette has been a consistent presence at shortstop and toward the top of the lineup for the Blue Jays.
For his career, he sports a .294 batting average with 111 home runs and 437 RBIs in 749 games.
We here at Blue Jays Central wish Bo Bichette the best of luck with his new journey with the New York Mets.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Report: New York Mets sign Bo Bichette
Report: New York Mets sign Bo Bichette
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JANVIER 16 | 314 ANSWERS Bo Bichette's new contract reveals why the Blue Jays interest in him softened Do you think the New York Mets overpaid for Bo Bichette at $42 million per season? | ||
| Yes | 279 | 88.9 % |
| No | 35 | 11.1 % |
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