New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette will exercise his $42 million player option for the 2027 season instead of returning to free agency, The Athletic reported Thursday.
The move keeps Bichette in New York for at least one more year after an uneven debut season with the Mets. The 28-year-old also holds a $42 million player option for 2028, giving him another opportunity to reach the open market next offseason if he chooses.
Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million contract with New York last winter after spending his first seven major league seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays.
His first few months in Queens did not go smoothly.
Bichette was batting .210 with a .531 OPS through May 17 as he adjusted to a new team and a move to third base. He recovered considerably from there, batting .281 with 16 home runs and a .772 OPS over his final 114 games.
He finished the season at .260 with 18 homers and 78 RBIs in 160 games.
By accepting the option, Bichette guarantees himself another $42 million rather than entering a free-agent market facing uncertainty over a potential labor stoppage when the current collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1.
His return gives the Mets a familiar option at third base as they try to rebound from a disappointing 2026 season.
New York is expected to again build around stars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor while incorporating young outfielders Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing.
The Mets missed the postseason for a second straight season despite carrying one of baseball’s largest payrolls.
For his career, Bichette has hit .288 with 129 home runs and 515 RBIs across 908 games with the Blue Jays and Mets.