The Pivot to Queens: Mets Land Bo Bichette in Stunning $126M Coup

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If there was any doubt about Steve Cohen’s aggressive “Plan B” strategy, it was erased on Friday, January 16, 2026. Less than 24 hours after losing the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes to the Dodgers, the New York Mets pivoted with lightning speed to secure the market’s premier infielder, Bo Bichette.

The deal is as unconventional as it is expensive: three years, $126 million. At a staggering $42 million AAV (Average Annual Value), the Mets have made Bichette the sixth-highest-paid player in baseball history on a per-year basis.

The Contract: Short Term, Max Value

Unlike the Philadelphia Phillies, who reportedly offered Bichette a more traditional seven-year, $200 million deal, the Mets won the day by offering a “mega-AAV” over a shorter duration.

Contract Feature	Details
Total Value	$126 Million
Duration	3 Years
AAV	$42 Million
Opt-Outs	Available after 2026 and 2027
Deferred Money	None (100% “real-time” cash)
No-Trade Clause	Full no-trade provision included

By including opt-outs after every single season, the Mets have essentially given Bichette a series of “one-year trials.” If he continues his elite production, he can hit the market again at age 28 or 29 for another massive payday.

The “Hot Corner” Experiment

The biggest question in Queens today isn’t about the money—it’s about the glove. With Francisco Lindor firmly entrenched at shortstop and newly acquired Gold Glover Marcus Semien at second base, Bichette is headed to a new zip code on the diamond.

Expected Position: Third Base. Bichette has played 748 professional games at shortstop, but the Mets have officially informed him he will be the starting third baseman for the 2026 season.
The Transition: While Bichette played second base briefly during Toronto’s 2025 World Series run, he has never played a professional game at the “hot corner.” His arm strength is elite, but his footwork at a new angle will be the talk of Spring Training.

Impact on the Lineup

Bichette is coming off a massive 2025 rebound, during which he slashed .311/.357/.483 and nearly led the AL in hits for the third consecutive time. He provides the Mets with a right-handed “bat-to-ball” machine to balance out a lineup that has become increasingly left-handed.

The New “Murderers’ Row” in Queens:

SS: Francisco Lindor (S)
RF: Juan Soto (L)
3B: Bo Bichette (R)
1B: Jorge Polanco (S)
2B: Marcus Semien (R)
DH: Mark Vientos / Brett Baty (R/L)

The Fallout: Philadelphia Stunned

The most dramatic subplot of the signing is the “11th-hour steal” from the division rival Philadelphia Phillies. Reports from Bob Nightengale suggest the Phillies believed they had a deal in place with Bichette on Thursday night.

The Mets’ “swoop” not only bolsters their own roster but leaves the Phillies scrambling for an impact bat as the free-agent market begins to dry up.

The Luxury Tax Bill

For Steve Cohen, this isn’t just a $126 million commitment. Because the Mets are deep into the “Steve Cohen Tax” bracket, they will pay a 110% tax rate on the majority of Bichette’s salary.