Bo Bichette’s time in the Big Apple could be a lot shorter than expected.
The former Blue Jays star, who left Toronto this past off-season to sign with the New York Mets as a free agent, reportedly could opt-out just one season into his three-year contract.
Bichette, who signed a three-year deal worth US$126-million earlier this year, has struggled mightily with the NL East team, raising questions about his fit in Queens.
According to a report by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, several teams are expecting the two-time all-star to opt out and hit the free-agent market once again.
Nightengale also reported that the Philadelphia Phillies could have interest in bringing in Bichette after having pursued him this past off-season.
How much is left on Bichette’s contract?
While Bichette’s contract is for three years, it also contains player options after each of the first two seasons.
Should Bichette opt out this winter, the Mets would be off the hook for $79 million of his $126-million deal.
Bichette’s salary for the 2026 MLB season totals $42 million, with $40 million having been paid as a signing bonus and $2 million more coming throughout the year.
If Bichette does opt-out, he would still be entitled to another $5 million from the team.
Why would Bichette opt out?
The reasoning behind Bichette potentially leaving the Mets remains unclear, but there is plenty of speculation.
After both the player and the team have struggled through the first half of the MLB season, Bichette could be eager to get another fresh start elsewhere.
However, Bichette’s contract was seen as above market value this past off-season and it would seem unlikely he would be able to match the $42-million per year figure he received from the Mets.
Bichette is tied for the fourth-highest annual average salary in the Majors, behind only Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Tucker of the Los Angeles Dodgers and tied with Phillies starter Zach Wheeler.
There also are looming concerns of a potential work stoppage in MLB next year, with the league and the Players Association reportedly fighting over potentially instituting a salary cap.
How is Bichette playing?
While Bichette has put together a solid string of games recently, his batting average of .239 heading into Monday’s action is well below his career mark of .289.
The only campaign of Bichette’s eight-year career in which he posted worse numbers was in 2024, when he missed half the season due to injuries.
Bichette also has been seen appearing to be near tears in the dugout after a loss earlier this season and was booed within the first week of the season by home fans at Citi Field as he struggled out of the gate.