Bichette Exercises Player Option After Disappointing First Season With Mets

Option Keeps Bichette in New York

Bichette is taking the $42 million option for next season, according to league sources cited by The Athletic. His contract includes a second player option, also valued at $42 million, for 2028.

The deal gave Bichette the chance to opt out before its second and third years. He was expected to stay for the second year, and a Thursday report provided confirmation.

A Difficult First Season

Bichette hit .260/.312/.390 in his first season with the Mets. He recorded a .702 OPS, 18 home runs, 25 doubles and 78 RBI. The article said the production fell short of what Bichette and the organization had hoped for, and described his contract option as an overpay.

Mets Still Seeking Playoff Success

New York finished 74-88 and last in the National League East, leaving fans disappointed. The team had reached the NLCS just two seasons earlier, its first appearance there since 2015.

Bichette, Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto were expected to form a central trio for a playoff push. The Mets have reached the postseason twice since 2016, and the article says the trio was meant to help them reach the playoffs for the fourth time since losing the 2015 World Series. Chelsea Janes said Bichette’s decision gives the Mets a chance to see the lineup group they assembled the previous year but lost to injury.