Why Bo Bichette is 'unlikely' to opt out of $42 million Mets contract

Bo Bichette is having the worst offensive season of his career. 

The two-time All-Star led the American League in hits in back-to-back seasons in 2021-22, but he hasn't been the same caliber of player he was with the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Bichette's three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets includes opt-outs, but it does not seem likely he will exercise that option. 

This season, Bichette is hitting .268/.314/.390 with 12 home runs and a .704 OPS. Those numbers are a far cry from his consistent production with the Blue Jays. 

That's why Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter listed him among the top 25 most overpaid players in baseball. 

Bichette's $42 million deal is massive overpay by Mets

"While he is still only 28 years old, Bichette is struggling through the worst offensive season of his career outside of an injury-plagued 2024 campaign," Reuter wrote. "The shift to third base has gone relatively smoothly (-2 DRS, 3 OAA), but his bat has always been what drives his value, and it has not even been league average."

Whether he admits it or not, Bichette's transition from shortstop to third base may have thrown off his rhythm at the plate.  

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His $42 million AAV is a much higher guarantee than what he'll find in the free agent market. 

Financially, it makes a lot more sense for Bichette to stay with the Mets in 2027. Is that the best move for the NL East club? 

Only time will tell. 

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