Bichette exercises $42 million player option to keep Mets contract rather than become free agent

NEW YORK (AP) — Bo Bichette is keeping his contract with the Mets after a subpar first season in New York, exercising a player option for a $42 million salary in 2027, the team said Friday.

Bichette agreed in January to a $126 million, three-year contract that included a $40 million signing bonus, a $2 million salary for 2026 and $42 million player options for both 2027 and 2028. Declining either option allows him to become a free agent again.

A two-time All-Star shortstop in Toronto, Bichette shifted primarily to third base in New York, where Francisco Lindor plays shortstop. The 28-year-old Bichette hit .260 with 18 homers and 78 RBIs for the disappointing Mets, down from .311 with 18 homers and 94 RBIs when he helped the Blue Jays win the American League pennant in 2025.

Bichette batted .213 with five homers, 28 RBIs and a .570 OPS in 61 games through June 2, then started to rebound with a four-hit game at Seattle. He hit .289 with 13 homers, 50 RBIs and a .784 OPS in 99 games from June 3 through the end of the season.

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