New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has been left scrambling after his team's pursuit of prized outfielder Kyle Tucker fell through, and he's now desperately trying to fill the void in his lineup with a surprise signing. Bo Bichette, a talented infielder who played second base for most of his minor league career, has inked a three-year deal worth $126 million, marking one of the highest salaries ever handed out to a free agent.
The Mets' need for a star player became glaringly apparent after they lost Alonso to Baltimore and Edwin Diaz to Los Angeles. And with their infield already deep with Gold Glove Francisco Lindor at shortstop and Marcus Semien at second base, the team decided it was time to splurge on a bat. Bichette's career numbers are promising, but his position switch from shortstop to third base is a concern for some, as he has zero experience playing in that spot.
The deal comes with strings attached, though. The Mets will face significant penalties due to the competitive balance tax system, which taxes every dollar spent at 110%. As such, Bichette's salary of $42 million per year actually costs the team around $88 million after taxes. He also has opt-outs after his first and second seasons, giving him a chance to explore other opportunities if he doesn't see himself as a third baseman.
The signing comes with a hefty price tag, but Mets owner Steve Cohen is willing to invest in talent to bring a World Series championship to Queens. With Cohen at the helm, there's little room for concern about finances when it comes to acquiring high-profile players like Bichette.
However, this move has left many questioning whether Bichette was worth the investment. His lack of experience at third base and injury history are major concerns. Nevertheless, Mets fans will take any chance to improve their team and provide some hope in a season that's already shaping up to be a long shot for a title.
The Mets' need for a star player became glaringly apparent after they lost Alonso to Baltimore and Edwin Diaz to Los Angeles. And with their infield already deep with Gold Glove Francisco Lindor at shortstop and Marcus Semien at second base, the team decided it was time to splurge on a bat. Bichette's career numbers are promising, but his position switch from shortstop to third base is a concern for some, as he has zero experience playing in that spot.
The deal comes with strings attached, though. The Mets will face significant penalties due to the competitive balance tax system, which taxes every dollar spent at 110%. As such, Bichette's salary of $42 million per year actually costs the team around $88 million after taxes. He also has opt-outs after his first and second seasons, giving him a chance to explore other opportunities if he doesn't see himself as a third baseman.
The signing comes with a hefty price tag, but Mets owner Steve Cohen is willing to invest in talent to bring a World Series championship to Queens. With Cohen at the helm, there's little room for concern about finances when it comes to acquiring high-profile players like Bichette.
However, this move has left many questioning whether Bichette was worth the investment. His lack of experience at third base and injury history are major concerns. Nevertheless, Mets fans will take any chance to improve their team and provide some hope in a season that's already shaping up to be a long shot for a title.
126 million for Bo Bichette? 
Worth it or not is a tough one. He has skills but that switch to third base does sound sketchy... 
The Mets need a star player and they're willing to break the bank, I get it. Cohen's got deep pockets. But is this just throwing money at the problem or actually making progress? 
Not sure if it's worth the risk. 
The taxes will add another layer of complexity to his contract 
. One thing's for sure tho: if they wanna take a shot at the World Series, you gotta be willing to splurge 
.
. Still, if anyone can make it work, Steve Cohen's got the means and the willpower to make it happen 
. Let's see how Bichette adjusts... 
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! I mean, $126 million is insane, but you gotta wonder if it was worth it... Bichette's career numbers are def promising, but playing 3rd base all the time? that's a major risk 
I feel bad for Stearns, he had a tough season getting Kyle Tucker 
. Cohen is definitely willing to break the bank, but what if Bichette doesn't pan out? 
still, Mets fans gotta keep their fingers crossed and hope this signing brings some much-needed magic to Queens 
!
! They're going all-in on bringing home that World Series crown, and Steve Cohen is leading the charge 
... yeah, he's never played 3rd base before, but thats not like he's gonna break his hand or something 
... i mean, we've seen it happen before where teams take chances on players with unknown quantities and it pays off 
I'm not sure if it was worth it... 
. Plus, $42 million a year is just crazy! 
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which is still insane! 
The Mets' infield depth is already a concern with Gold Glove Francisco Lindor 
and Marcus Semien 
His career numbers are promising, but a 3-year deal without a clear long-term plan 
makes me wonder if it's worth the investment 
Batting AVG: .283
the pen tax is gonna hurt them so bad, $88 million per year? 
I mean, Alonso and Diaz were gone, yeah, but that just leaves a bigger hole in the lineup. You'd think they'd try to find someone with more experience and less risk... this deal feels like a gamble 
but the fact that he's got opt-outs after his first and second seasons is just sketchy. what if he gets hurt or struggles at third base? 
. It's been too long since we've seen a World Series title, and maybe this is the year