Bo Bichette’s Opt-Out Decision Looms as Mets Head Into Subway Series

As the New York Mets close out a season without postseason baseball, one question looms larger than the rest of their offseason checklist: what will Bo Bichette do?

Bichette, who signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets last winter, holds an opt-out that would allow him to re-enter free agency this offseason. If he declines the opt-out, he would collect $42 million in each of the next two seasons — meaning he would walk away from a guaranteed $84 million by testing the open market.

The decision is far from settled. ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently described the choice as a “genuine coin flip,” underscoring how genuinely uncertain the outcome is for both player and club.

An Uneven First Season in Queens

Bichette’s debut campaign with the Mets has been solid if not spectacular. Heading into Thursday’s action, he was hitting .265 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs across 144 games — respectable production, though shy of his peak years. A late surge could strengthen his position either way, whether as leverage in free agency or as reassurance for the Mets’ front office.

Market dynamics may also factor in. With few comparable shortstops potentially available this winter, Bichette could have an opening to pursue a longer commitment than his current deal provides.

Subway Series Spotlight

First, though, comes the Yankees. The Mets open the Subway Series at Yankee Stadium on Friday, arriving after a sweep of the Miami Marlins that included a wild 15-14 victory on Wednesday. Bichette contributed a key hit in that shootout, and a strong finish to the season could carry momentum into his offseason decision.

With New York already eliminated from contention, the final games serve as an evaluation window for 2026 — and Bichette sits at the top of the list of roster questions the organization must resolve.

Media rights to games like these remain big business for companies across the sports landscape. The Walt Disney Company, whose ESPN division employs Passan and carries extensive MLB coverage, trades at $105.82, up 1.57% from its previous close of $104.18, with a market capitalization of roughly $181.8 billion.

What to watch

• Bichette’s performance over the season’s final games, beginning with the Subway Series at Yankee Stadium.
• Any reporting on negotiations between Bichette’s camp and the Mets before the opt-out deadline.
• Developments elsewhere in the shortstop free-agent market that could shape his leverage.

Source: original release