The New York Mets moved with unusual speed this week, signing infielder Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract less than 15 hours after losing out on free agent Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal with Bichette includes two opt-outs, giving the Mets flexibility while addressing one of their most pressing roster needs heading into the 2026 season.
Tucker, widely considered the top available position player on the free agent market, agreed to a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers on Thursday night. The Mets had pursued Tucker aggressively throughout the offseason, even offering him a four-year deal worth $220 million. Despite their efforts, Los Angeles ultimately won the bidding war for the star outfielder.
Background
The Mets entered this offseason facing significant roster holes after losing key players. The team traded away Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil earlier in the winter, moves that left them thin in the outfield. The departure of Pete Alonso to free agency further weakened their lineup. These losses made Tucker an obvious target for the team, as he could have filled multiple needs at once.
Tucker's market was surprisingly narrow despite his status as the offseason's top free agent. Sources indicated that only a handful of teams were willing to offer him the long-term deal he initially sought. The Toronto Blue Jays showed serious interest in bringing him back, but Tucker had expressed concerns about playing half his games on the artificial turf at Rogers Centre. The Mets offered competitive money in the $50 million-per-year range, but questions lingered about whether Tucker wanted to play in New York.
The Dodgers, as the reigning World Series champions, presented an attractive option. Los Angeles could offer Tucker the chance to play for a contender without the pressure of carrying the entire franchise on his shoulders. That appeal proved decisive.
Key Details
The Bichette Signing
Bichette is a hard-hitting infielder who has quietly improved as a contact hitter. In 2025, he posted career highs in on-base percentage while maintaining a low strikeout rate. The Mets plan to use him as a right-handed bat positioned behind Juan Soto in the lineup, helping to fill some of the offensive void left by Alonso's departure.
The deal's structure gives both sides flexibility. Bichette can opt out after each of his first two seasons, meaning he could leave if he becomes a free agent again. The Mets, for their part, get a proven hitter on a shorter commitment than they initially hoped for with Tucker.
"Bichette is going to bolster this lineup in 2026 and, depending on whether he uses the first of two opt-outs, after that," according to reporting on the deal.
The speed with which the Mets moved suggests they were eager to make a splash after the Tucker disappointment. Some observers noted that the quick pivot may have reflected frustration within the organization about falling short on their top target, while others simply viewed it as a smart addition to a team that desperately needed offensive help.
Remaining Questions
Despite the Bichette signing, the Mets still face roster questions. The team currently has just four outfielders on its 40-man roster, and the non-Soto outfield spots are set to be filled by players with minimal major league experience. Carson Benge, who has played only 24 games at Triple-A, and Tyrone Taylor are expected to fill those roles for now.
Cody Bellinger, the last remaining star-level free agent position player available, could still be a target for the Mets. The team showed serious interest in Bellinger earlier in the offseason, and his availability remains relevant even with Bichette now in the fold. The Mets' outfield depth suggests they may continue shopping for help.
The team also needs to address pitching. Questions remain about how the Mets will build out their rotation and whether they will pursue qualifying offer free agents to supplement their staff.
What This Means
The Tucker-to-Dodgers and Bichette-to-Mets deals have reshaped the free agent landscape heading into the final weeks of the offseason. With two of the top three available hitters now off the market, the remaining teams in the hunt for impact bats have fewer options and may face higher prices.
For the Mets, the Bichette signing represents a course correction after missing out on their primary target. While Bichette is a talented player who will improve the lineup, the team fell short of landing the player they wanted most. How the rest of their offseason unfolds will determine whether this pivot proves to be a smart adjustment or a missed opportunity.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, continue their spending spree as defending champions. Adding Tucker to a roster that already features star players demonstrates their commitment to competing for another title. The investment in Tucker gives Los Angeles another elite bat in a lineup designed to produce runs.
Other teams still seeking offensive help will now look toward Bellinger and whatever secondary options remain on the free agent market. The window for major moves is closing, and prices for remaining talent may climb as desperation sets in.
