Bo Bichette -- Trade Rumors

The New York Mets face a troubling potential scenario with star infielder Bo Bichette amid their disastrous 2026 season. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Bichette could exercise one of two opt-outs in his three-year, $126 million contract signed last winter and leave in free agency. Nightengale writes that "considering the season the Mets are having and the boos serenading him, it's difficult to see him wanting to stay put."

The financial implications are severe for New York. If Bichette opts out, the Mets cannot place a qualifying offer on him under MLB rules, meaning they would receive no compensation if he signs elsewhere. This would result in losing their marquee free agent signing after just one season with nothing in return.

While Nightengale speculates that Bichette could become a trade candidate before the deadline, his expensive contract and opt-out uncertainty make him difficult to move. The situation represents one of general manager David Stearns' trickiest challenges this season as the Mets sit well below .500 and 11.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. Some teams needing offensive infield help might still consider acquiring Bichette if the Mets' struggles continue.

Bo Bichette has struggled significantly in his first season with the New York Mets after signing a three-year, $126 million free agent contract last winter. The deal included opt-outs after the first and second seasons, providing flexibility for the player but uncertainty for the team. Through the reported timeframe, Bichette was batting .237 with only two home runs and 16 RBIs, a stark departure from his career as a two-time All-Star and consistent offensive contributor. Given the Mets' poor performance this season and the booing from fans, speculation has emerged that the franchise should consider trading him rather than allowing the contract to play out. USA Today's Bob Nightengale noted that if Bichette leaves in free agency, the Mets would receive no qualifying offer compensation. By trading him now, the team could transfer the burden of the opt-outs to another organization while still recouping assets. The combination of Bichette's underperformance, the team's struggles, and the unfavorable contract structure makes a trade scenario increasingly plausible.