BY MIKE RIFKIN
Now that the World Series is over, Major League Baseball teams can focus on how to make themselves contenders in 2027. (there will be a season) One of the teams under the most pressure are the New York Mets, who missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
The Mets did get some good news on Thursday as Third baseman Bo Bichette has opted into his contract and will be on the books for 42 million dollars. Bo wound up with 18 homers and 78 RBI’ S with a slash line of .260/.312/.390, but it was a tale of two halves for Bichette who was much better in the second half of the season.
With the news of Bichette opting in, it feels like the everyday lineup for the Mets will be similar to last season’s. Outside of 2024, where he only played 81 games Bichette’s lowest batting average was .290 (2022), the Mets are hoping that last season was an outlier for Bo and he can regain his .300 hitting form. Because if the Mets are to trot out a similar lineup to the one they had last season they need the Bo Bichette that was in Toronto.
Also with the news of Bichette opting in it allows David Stearns to focus on other needs. Pitching needs to be the top priority, but don’t count out adding a first baseman either. But the other thing Bo’s opting in does it allows Stearns to evaluate other talents such as Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio, both of whom could help the Mets land help in either the rotation or the bullpen.
Bo opting in helps the Mets in more ways than one. But the way he can be most impactful for the Mets is if his offense returns to form, and he did play a solid third base last season.
