Bichette bypassing opt-out, returning to Mets for 2027 season (source)

NEW YORK -- Bo Bichette will return to Queens for another try in 2027.

According to a source, Bichette opted into the second season of his three-year, $126 million contract on Thursday, signing up to reprise his role as the Mets’ third baseman. That deal guarantees Bichette $42 million in 2027. Had he opted out, the Mets would have owed him a $5 million buyout. Bichette can opt out again after 2027 under identical terms.

It was an uneven first season in Flushing for Bichette, who endured boos while going 1-for-14 over his first three home games, and who held a sub-.600 OPS as late in the year as June 10. Although Bichette recovered well enough to produce a .285/.337/.442 slash line the rest of the way, even that .788 OPS was below his career mark of .806 entering the season.

Given those numbers, had he opted out, Bichette would have found it impossible to replicate the $42 million average annual value of his contract. To opt out, he would have needed to feel confident that he could eclipse the total remaining value of his deal ($84 million) in a place he felt comfortable playing.

Although Bichette admitted to some discomfort early in his Mets tenure, he appeared to grow happier as the season progressed and his results improved. At 28, Bichette also became a mentor for some of the team’s younger players, including A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge.

Before coming to the Mets, Bichette established himself a two-time All-Star over seven seasons in Toronto, compiling 20.8 bWAR and ranking sixth among qualified players in batting average (.294) over that stretch behind Luis Arraez, Freddie Freeman, Aaron Judge, Trea Turner and Yordan Alvarez. Bichette also starred in the 2025 World Series, returning from a sprained left knee ligament to post a .923 OPS as a second baseman in seven Fall Classic contests, including a go-ahead, three-run homer early in Game 7.

That winter, the Mets spent much of their energy pursuing free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. When Tucker instead signed with the Dodgers on a four-year, $240 million deal in January, the Mets quickly pivoted to Bichette, a career shortstop who was willing to play second or third base with a new team.

With Bichette back in the fold alongside Francisco Lindor at shortstop, the left side of the Mets’ 2027 infield is set. Things are murkier on the right side, where Brett Baty, Marcus Semien and a cadre of prospects should jockey for time at second base, with Jared Young and Mark Vientos still on the roster at first.

The Mets could look to add to that mix, though their primary offseason needs are in the rotation and the bullpen.