NEW YORK (AP) \u2014 Bo Bichette and the New York Mets finalized their $126 million, three-year contract on Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
The sides agreed to terms last week, subject to a successful physical. Bichette spurned the NL East rival Philadelphia Phillies<\/a> to sign with the Mets and will be introduced by the team Wednesday during a news conference at Citi Field.<\/p>\n A two-time All-Star shortstop with the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette will move to third base with the Mets, who have Francisco Lindor at shortstop. Bichette has never played a professional game at the hot corner.<\/p>\n \u201cThroughout his career, Bo has distinguished himself as one of the best pure right-handed hitters in baseball,” Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said in a news release announcing the deal.<\/p>\n “He possesses the rare combination of elite bat-to-ball (skills) and power that will impact our lineup. Beyond his on-field skills, Bo has earned the reputation as one of the most intense competitors in our sport. We\u2019re excited to add him to our team and believe he fits our organization very well.\u201d<\/p>\n About two hours later, the busy Mets acquired center fielder Luis Robert Jr.<\/a> from the Chicago White Sox in a trade for infielder Luisangel Acu\u00f1a and minor league pitcher Truman Pauley.<\/p>\n Bichette can opt out of his contract after the first or second season to become a free agent again. He would receive $47 million for one year and $89 million for two years.<\/p>\n The deal does not contain any deferred money and Bichette gets a full no-trade provision. His $42 million average annual value ties for the sixth-highest in baseball history.<\/p>\n The additions of Bichette and Robert were the latest big developments in an eventful offseason for the Mets, who angered fans<\/a> by letting popular slugger Pete Alonso<\/a> and star closer Edwin D\u00edaz<\/a> leave in free agency. Stearns<\/a> also traded two other stalwarts, outfielder Brandon Nimmo<\/a> and versatile veteran Jeff McNeil<\/a> \u2014 both homegrown players.<\/p>\n New York signed closer Devin Williams to a $51 million, three-year contract,<\/a> infielder Jorge Polanco to a $40 million, two-year deal<\/a> and reliever Luke Weaver to a $22 million, two-year agreement<\/a>.<\/p>\n Although he lacks Alonso\u2019s power, Bichette is a proven hitter with quick hands at the plate. He gives the Mets a potent right-handed bat to help complement lefty slugger Juan Soto.<\/p>\n Because of his inexperience at third, however, Bichette becomes the latest question mark in the field for New York even though Stearns has insisted the team must improve its defense and is determined to do so.<\/p>\n Polanco has one pitch of major league experience at first base, where he and Mark Vientos, previously a third baseman, are the leading candidates to replace Alonso.<\/p>\n Bichette batted .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs and an .840 OPS in 139 games for the Blue Jays last year. He hit a three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani<\/a> in Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.<\/p>\n