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By no means is this a secret -- but Bo Bichette's contract with the New York Mets is going to create an interesting narrative as this season goes along.
He just left the Toronto Blue Jays, and the idea of another free agency for Bichette isn't a far-flung idea.
You see, Bichette included opt-outs after each year in his contract.
On paper, it was a three-year, $126 million deal for Bichette with the Mets.
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In reality, he can opt-out after year one and head right back to the open market.
In a new breakdown by Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors, he simply points out that Bichette's opt-out will bear watching after this season is through.
"If he decides to return to free agency, he can take a $5MM buyout on his way out the door, going into his age-29 season," McDonald writes. "He would be walking away from a big salary but another $200MM deal might be out there for him if he has another typical Bichette season. Perhaps he would look to lock that in but we have already seen him opt for the bigger salary once. Maybe he would do so again. On the other hand, it’s theoretically possible he can garner better long-term offers this coming offseason. Last time, he had question marks due to his knee injury and uncertain future position. This time, it’s possible he’ll be healthy and have some proof of concept as a third baseman."
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Bichette's play so far this season hasn't been ideal, but after a 2-for-22 start, he's slowly heating up and looks more like his usual self.
Bichette's usual self is a version of a ballplayer that can earn a lot more money in the years to come.
He's in a good spot. If he stays put, it's $42 million next year. If he opts-out, he likely can land even more money in the long haul.
The Mets will have to do their best pitch to keep him around, but Bichette could eventually start looking toward an escape route if he wants.
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