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 Friday to a three-year, $126 million deal, with opt-outs after the first two years, 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 re-sign him.
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.
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
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 tougher match.
According to sources, the current plan is for Bichette, who has only played shortstop in his major league career with Toronto — and never played an inning at third as a pro — to take over at third base, with Brett Baty playing multiple positions.
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 27-year-old has battled injuries in recent seasons, with a sprained left knee in September that landed him on the IL and forced Bichette to miss most of the postseason.
He also dealt with a strained right calf in 2024, as well as a fractured finger, and a quad injury in ‘23, all of which led to IL stints.
But the two-time All-Star, and son of former major leaguer Dante Bichette, is one of the best hitters in the game.
He twice led the American League in hits and bounced back from a rough 2024 with a solid showing last year.
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 also need a starter for the top of the rotation, with their most significant additions to the pitching staff being Luke Weaver and Devin Williams.