An MLB expert believes there is strong evidence that Bo Bichette will have a monster year for the New York Mets in 2026. However, he will take it back into free agency after the season.
For many NY Mets fans, this was set to be a very disappointing offseason after four core members of their team over the last few years departed in trades or free agency, including All-Stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz. However, over the last couple of weeks, the narrative has completely changed.
After coming up short in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, they responded to that failure by giving Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Bo Bichette a three year-deal worth $126 million. They then traded for high-upside Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. They then put an exclamation point on the winter by trading for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta.
It now has fans far more hopeful about the team’s prospects in the upcoming season.
Bo Bichette will opt out after a huge season for NY Mets in 2026?
The move that started the avalanche of positivity was the signing of Bichette. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight, popular analyst and researcher Paul “Hembo” Hembekides had some good news for NY Mets fans when it comes to their new starting third baseman. Bichette is set up to have a monster season.
The reason he believes the two-time All-Star will have a career year is that both Aaron Judge and Pete Alonso had great seasons when hitting behind Juan Soto in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Bichette already has a knack for being clutch with runners on. Due to the “Juan Soto effect,” he will get even more opportunities and have “the most productive season at the dish of his career,” Hembekides said.
Unfortunately, the ESPN analyst had some bad news for NY Mets fans. Since Bichette will have such a big season, he also believes that means he will return to free agency again after the season in search of an even bigger deal. The 27-year-old has player options in years two and three of his new deal with the club.
