This time, the Mets got their man.
Fresh off of missing out on top free agent target Kyle Tucker — thanks to being outbid by the Dodgers, the Mets quickly turned to Bo Bichette, agreeing to a three-year, $126 million deal — with opt-outs after the first two years — on Friday, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed.
It comes during what’s been an alarmingly quiet offseason in Queens, one that saw their all-time home run hitter, Pete Alonso, leave for Baltimore without a fight and their closer Edwin Diaz, head to the Dodgers after failing to sign him back.
The loss of Diaz to the free-spending Dodgers stung, and that was only made worse when they were outbid by Los Angeles again, this time for Tucker.
And while Tucker fit the present Mets roster much better — he would have likely slid immediately into left field, a hole that still exists in Queens — Bichette is a shortstop and Francisco Lindor isn’t going anywhere.
Blue Jays designated hitter Bo Bichette (11) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
According to sources, the current plan is for Bichette, despite never having played an inning at third base as a pro, to take over at third, with Brett Baty being used at multiple positions, barring a trade.
That’s after they signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year deal to primarily DH and perhaps platoon with Mark Vientos at first, even though Polanco has made just one major league appearance at the spot and Vientos has started just a dozen games there.
They did improve their infield defense by trading for Marcus Semien, who’s been an elite second baseman, in exchange for Brandon Nimmo in a deal with Texas earlier in the offseason.
What’s not in question is the quality of Bichette’s bat — when he’s healthy.
The two-time All-Star, and son of former major leaguer Dante Bichette, is one of the best hitters in the game and will provide a much-needed right-handed threat behind Juan Soto, especially after the loss of Alonso to Baltimore.
Bichette twice led the American League in hits and bounced back from a rough 2024 with a solid showing last year.
He’d also been in talks with the Phillies, so the Mets not only got Bichette, they also don’t have to deal with him as an opponent on an already tough NL East team.
Once concern surrounding the 27-year-old is that he’s battled injuries in recent seasons.
After playing nearly every day in 2021 and ‘22, Bichette has spent time on the IL each of the last three seasons.
Bichette suffered a sprained left knee in September that forced him to miss most of the postseason, although he returned for the World Series, limited to second base and DH because of his decreased range.
He also dealt with a strained right calf, as well as a fractured finger, in 2024, and a quad injury in ‘23, all of which led to IL stints.
Bichette will be one of several new faces at Citi Field, as President of Baseball Operations David Stearns continues to turn over the roster.
In addition to losing Alonso and Diaz in free agency and trading Nimmo, the Mets also shipped Jeff McNeil to the A’s.
They offered Tucker a four-year, $220 million contract before Tucker went with the Dodgers for an extra $20 million, as the outfielder became the latest star to head to Hollywood on a team that looks practically unbeatable.
Even with Bichette, the Mets still need another outfielder and Cody Bellinger remains available as of Friday afternoon, with the Yankees and the outfielder still interested in a reunion. The Mets are high on Carson Benge, but he has just one full season as a pro under his belt.Â
The Mets also need a starter for the top of the rotation- Framber Valdez is still a free agent- with their most significant additions to the pitching staff having been Luke Weaver and Devin Williams.