Bo Bichette’s future with the New York Mets remains uncertain as the team prepares for the Subway Series against the New York Yankees.
The Mets signed Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract last winter. He now faces a major decision after the season.
MORE:
Bichette can opt out of the deal and enter free agency. If he stays, he would earn $42 million in each of the next two seasons.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently called the decision a “genuine coin flip,” according to reports on Bichette’s future. That shows just how difficult the choice could be.
Bichette’s first season with the Mets has been uneven. He entered Thursday hitting .265 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs in 144 games.
Those numbers are solid, but they are below what Bichette has produced at his best. His recent improvement could still help his case as the season winds down.
There is also plenty of money involved. Bichette would leave $84 million on the table if he opts out after the season.
The free-agent market could make that decision more tempting. There may not be many comparable shortstop options available, giving Bichette a chance to seek a longer deal.
For now, his attention turns to the Yankees.
The Mets will open the Subway Series at Yankee Stadium on Friday. They enter the series after sweeping the Miami Marlins, including a wild 15-14 win Wednesday.
Bichette played a role in that victory with a key hit. A strong finish could give him more momentum heading into the offseason.
The Mets are already out of the postseason race, so their final games will offer a chance to evaluate the roster for next season.
Bichette will be one of the biggest decisions facing the organization. New York must determine whether keeping him is worth the long-term commitment.
The answer may depend on what Bichette wants, too. He has guaranteed money waiting in New York, but a strong finish could give him reason to test the market.
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—