You didn’t think Steve Cohen would simply admit defeat after Kyle Tucker signed with the Dodgers last night, did you?!

The battle of expansive budgets continues as the New York Mets have agreed to a three-year, $126 million deal with top remaining free agent Bo Bichette. Just about 14 hours after losing out on Tucker, the Mets have ensured that they still add a huge upgrade to their lineup.

While the fit with New York is fascinating (more on that in a bit), Bichette undoubtedly adds some much-needed thump to a lineup that saw Pete Alonso depart earlier this offseason.

The Mets will seemingly remain firmly in the “buyers” category for a while, and they've proved it once more after Juan Soto’s historic contract last year.

Bo Bichette Signs Three-Year, $126 Million Deal with the New York Mets

The Mets felt destined to still acquire a big free agent, or potentially multiple. It seemed like Tucker could be heading to New York yesterday, but the pivot came immediately.

The roster fit was more clear there, but getting a masher was ultimately the priority. Bichette will become that for New York while being slated to play a position he has never played before in his MLB career.

Bichette spent his entire career with Toronto after being drafted in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft, nearly becoming one of the heroes of a World Series championship this fall before the Blue Jays’ heartbreaking loss.

Once Toronto signed Dylan Cease, Kazuma Okamoto, and others, the likelihood of Bichette returning decreased. When teams like the Phillies and Mets got involved, it got even trickier.

Ultimately, Bichette is heading to New York on a deal that will allow him to re-test the market in each of the next two years.

Contract Details

• Length: 3 years

• Value: $126 Million

• AAV: $42 Million

• Deferrals: None

• Opt-outs: After Year 1 and Year 2, $5 million opt-out bonus

This structure is unique, particularly because it has been reported that Bichette had numerous long-term deals on the table.

For Bichette, the deal is a short-term bet on himself, as it will pay him at least $47 million for one season if he chooses to opt-out at the end of the coming season. If he sticks around for a second year, he’ll earn $89 million before re-entering free agency at just 29 years old.

Instead of finding a long-term home, Bichette will certainly maximize his earnings this year and potentially through 2028, while still becoming a free agent once more in his prime.

Team Fit and Outlook

After losing Alonso, the Mets were destined to add a top bat this offseason. Once they traded Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien, it seemed like an outfielder would be the optimal acquisition.

This makes Bichette an interesting fit with the middle infield clogged already in New York. He’ll be playing third base for the first time in his career, while the Mets still could presumably look to add an outfielder.

Despite the fit being a little odd, this certainly gives the Mets an electric top of the lineup while giving top prospect Carson Benge a clear opportunity to make a huge difference as a rookie.

Given that they do not seem to care about much money is spent on this roster, more could be coming from Steve Cohen and the Mets. An outfielder to finish off this offense or a high-end starting pitcher to balance the rotation could make sense.

It’s going to be a challenge for anyone to compete with the juggernaut Dodgers, but the Mets are going to give it their all this season and beyond.

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