Report: New York Mets sign Bo Bichette

Bo Bichette, two-time All-Star shortstop, and one of the Blue Jays legacy players alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr., is joining the New York Mets.

Will Sammon of The Athletic and Jon Heyman of the New York Post were among the first to break the news.

At three years, $126MM, it's a shorter-term contract, but evidently Bo felt good enough the money to accept it.

Additionally, the deal - which is pending a physical - comes with two opt-outs and a full no-trade clause.

The move comes as a bit of a shock, as division rivals Philadelphia Phillies were thought to be the favourites to sign Bichette, who met with them last week.

He also reportedly met with the Boston Red Sox during the winter meetings in December.

For the Mets, it represents a major victory in what has a tough offseason. Gone are Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz, who both departed via free agency. Gone too is long-time outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who was traded to Texas Rangers for former Blue Jay Marcus Semien. Additionally. the Mets also lost out on Kyle Tucker after offering him a four year deal.

There's another wrinkle to the story. Bichette is expected to be the every day third baseman for the Mets. Bo, who made his debut as a second baseman during the World Series, had openly expressed to change positions, thereby increasing his value.

However, Bo playing third never really seemed like an option.

While the loss of Bichette will no doubt be a tough pill to swallow for Blue Jays fans, the team likely already has his replacement in place. Fan and clubhouse favourite, and three-time Gold Glove nominee Ernie Clement will likely take over at 2nd, with Andres Gimenez sliding over to short.

Addison Barger and the newly acquired Kazuma Okamoto will likely split time at third.

A new era in Toronto baseball has begun.

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