It didn’t take long for the New York Mets to pivot.
Fourteen hours after missing out on outfielder Kyle Tucker, who signed a four-year, $260 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Mets agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract with infielder Bo Bichette. The deal, first reported by The Athletic’s Will Sammon, includes two opt-out clauses, contains no deferred money, and is pending a physical.
Bichette, who turns 28 in March, is expected to play third base, a position he has never appeared at during his seven-year career. He spent his entire tenure in Toronto primarily at shortstop before moving to second base late last season while managing a knee injury.
The Mets’ infield shuffle began earlier in the offseason when they acquired second baseman Marcus Semien in a trade that sent Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers. They also signed Jorge Polanco in free agency, despite his limited experience at first base.
With Bichette arriving, third base prospects Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Ronny Mauricio could see their roles adjusted, with Vientos expected to spend more time at first.
A second-round pick in 2016 and the son of former major leaguer Dante Bichette, Bichette owns a .294/.337/.469 career slash line. Despite reduced mobility late last season, his bat remained productive, making him one of the most sought-after free agents, with interest from Philadelphia and New York before he chose Queens.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].