New York Mets officially sign Bo Bichette, release new hype video, new number
Photo credit: New York Mets - x.com
The New York Mets have officially announced the signing of former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette with a new hype video, and a new number on his back.
Bo Bichette officially finalized his three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets on Tuesday night, completing a deal that had been agreed to last week pending a physical.
We have signed infielder Bo Bichette to a three-year contract with player options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. Welcome to Queens, Bo!
A two-time All-Star shortstop during his time with the Blue Jays, Bichette is expected to shift to third base in New York, with Francisco Lindor firmly entrenched at shortstop.
The move represents new territory for Bichette, who has never appeared at third base in a professional game.
«Bo has consistently established himself as one of the premier right-handed hitters in the game,» Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said in a statement. «His exceptional bat-to-ball skills combined with power will make a significant impact on our lineup. He's also known as one of baseball's fiercest competitors, and we believe he's an outstanding fit for our organization.»
Let's Bo.
Later Tuesday, the Mets continued their aggressive roster overhaul by acquiring center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for infielder Luisangel Acuña and pitching prospect Truman Pauley.
Bichette's contract includes opt-out clauses after each of the first two seasons, allowing him to re-enter free agency after one year at $47 million or two years at $89 million.
The deal carries no deferred money and includes a full no-trade clause. His $42 million average annual value ranks among the highest in MLB history, tying for sixth all-time.
Besides playing third base for the first time in his career he will also be sporting a new number on his back. 19
INF Bo Bichette will wear number 19. Last worn by OF Jose Siri in 2025. #Mets
New York also signed closer Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract, infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal, and reliever Luke Weaver for two years and $22 million.
Mets acquired Bichette to replace departed Alonso's production
While Bichette does not offer the same power as the departed Pete Alonso, he brings a proven, high-contact bat and quick hands, giving the Mets another dangerous right-handed hitter to pair with left-handed star Juan Soto.
Defensive questions remain, however, as Bichette's transition to third base adds uncertainty for a team that has emphasized improving its fielding.
Last season, Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and an .840 OPS across 139 games for Toronto.
He also delivered a key three-run home run off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Blue Jays Bo Bichette. First 3-Run Home Run in Game 7 of a World Series since Julian Javier (Cardinals) in 1967 #WANTITALL
Bichette missed time late in the regular season after spraining his left knee in a collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells on Sept. 6.
He returned in time for the World Series, appearing in Game 1 and playing second base for the first time in six years.
He led the American League in hits in both 2021 and 2022 and finished second in the majors in batting average last season, trailing only Aaron Judge.
After declining a $22,025,000 qualifying offer from the Blue Jays in November, Toronto will receive an additional draft pick after the fourth round in July's amateur draft.
As part of the signing, the Mets forfeit their second- and fifth-highest draft selections, along with $1 million from their 2027 international signing bonus pool.
Bichette, who turns 28 in March, spent his entire major league career with Toronto after being selected in the second round of the 2016 draft.
He owns a .294 career batting average, 111 home runs, and an .806 OPS over 748 MLB games.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 21|159 ANSWERS New York Mets officially sign Bo Bichette, release new hype video, new number Do you think Bo Bichette will have a career year with the New York Mets? | ||
| Yes | 36 | 22.6 % |
| No | 94 | 59.1 % |
| Too early to tell | 29 | 18.2 % |
| List of polls | ||