Mets' Bo Bichette predicted to make $42 million 'coin flip' decision

It's highly unlikely that infielder Bo Bichette will leave the New York Mets. 

Right? 

After this season, Bichette has an opt-out in the three-year, $126 million deal he signed with the NL East club last offseason. 

Bichette's $42 million annual salary makes him one of the highest-paid players in baseball. Why would he consider opting out of that? 

ESPN's Jeff Passan predicts the two-time All-Star will decide to opt out of his deal with New York and test the market. 

"The trickiest decision in the free agent class. The Mets owe Bichette $84 million over the next two years," Passan wrote. "If he opts out, he will get a $5 million buyout and hit free agency again going into his age-29 season, hopeful that the mediocrity of the rest of the class makes him stand out in ways he didn't last winter." 

Bichette could take a risk and hope that his resurgence at the plate towards the end of the season could help him stand out over a weak free agent class. 

However, that would be quite a risk. 

MORE: How Reds' Sal Stewart has MLB history on his side for NL Rookie of the Year award

Bichette's .716 OPS is not impressive for a player of his caliber, but he hit .290 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in August. 

Leaving $84 million on the table with the hopes of landing something higher and/or long-term is not something many players decide to do.

That being said, the decision is up to Bichette. 

"Will he opt out: Yes -- but it's genuinely a coin flip," Passan added. 

More MLB news:

• Jose Berrios ‘extremely unlikely’ to opt out of $48 million deal with Blue Jays
• Bo Bichette likely not to opt out of Mets $42 million contract
• Cubs trade deadline addition Clay Holmes likely to opt out of $12M 2027 player option
• Kevin McGonigle is runaway favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year for Tigers
• Phillies' Jesus Luzardo on track to be best road pitcher in MLB history since 1913