NEW YORK — ESPN’s Jeff Passan called Bo Bichette’s opt-out decision with the New York Mets a coin flip on Thursday, though he projected that Bichette will opt out of the final two years and $84 million of his contract. If Bichette opts out, he will collect a $5 million buyout and go back into free agency ahead of his age-29 season.
Passan wrote that Bichette would be counting on a thin class to help him stand out in a way he did not last winter. If Bichette stays, he will make $42 million in each of the next two seasons, a salary Passan wrote ranks among the top five in the sport by any measure. Passan also wrote that an early slump has dragged down Bichette’s numbers this season.
Bo Bichette’s Contract With The New York Mets
Bichette agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets in January. He would receive $47 million if he opts out after one season and $89 million if he opts out after two, according to the AP. The deal has no deferred money and gives Bichette a full no-trade provision.
Bichette received a $40 million signing bonus and is making a $2 million salary this season. His player options are worth $42 million for both 2027 and 2028. The Philadelphia Phillies were one of the finalists for Bichette last winter.
Before signing with New York, Bichette spent his entire career with the Toronto Blue Jays. He is a two-time All-Star and led the American League in hits in 2021 and 2022. In 2025, Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 139 games. A collision with a catcher on Sept. 6 kept him out until the World Series, and he returned for Game 1 and played second base for the first time in six years. Bichette homered in Game 7.
Insiders Split On Bo Bichette’s Opt-Out Decision
In June, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that teams expected Bichette to opt out after the season. At the time, Bichette was hitting .236 with 8 home runs and a .644 OPS.
Weeks later, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Bichette was expected to opt in to his $42 million player option. At the time of that report, Bichette was hitting .266/.314/.388 with 12 home runs and 64 RBIs in 127 games. Bichette has played mostly third base for the Mets.
Passan listed Bichette first among 11 players with opt-outs or player options, and he wrote that those players must decide within five days of the end of the World Series. Bichette turned 28 in March.
