When Bo Bichette left the Toronto Blue Jays for the New York Mets, the expectation was that the former American League batting champion would help anchor a championship-caliber roster. Just a few months after his exit from the Blue Jays, however, his name has surfaced in early trade speculation as the Mets look to tear down their once-promising roster and salvage what they can.
While the trade deadline remains some weeks away, Bichette recently addressed his decision to protect himself from a potential trade while making it clear where his priorities remain as the Mets evaluate their roster ahead of the trade deadline.
Former Toronto Blue Jays Superstar Bo Bichette Responds To New York Mets Trade Reports
Although the Mets are not widely expected to move Bichette, he is an intriguing potential trade candidate because of his star status, long history of production and the unique nature of his high-value, opt-out laden contract.
If the Mets do want to move on from Bichette, though, his high salary wouldn’t be the only thing to overcome with a potential suitor.
“In the unlikely event that a potential trade partner emerges for Bichette, the Mets would also have to navigate his no-trade clause,” Will Sammon wrote for The Athletic. “Many accomplished players carrying such clauses, however, are open to waiving the power if a team expresses a desire to move on.”
But when asked about his decision to include a no-trade clause on his first-ever contract away from the Blue Jays, Bichette seemed to suggest he would be hesitant to approve a trade anywhere else.
“I came to New York to win,” Bichette said, per Sammon. “The no-trade clause is there for a reason. And I’m just leaving it at that.”
Bo Bichette’s New York Mets Contract Creates Deadline Tension Just A Few Month After Toronto Blue Jays Exit
Even beyond the no-trade clause, Bichette’s post-Blue Jays contract has become one of the more fascinating storylines surrounding New York’s roster. Questions about whether or not he will exercise his looming opt-out make it difficult to say just how much trade interest he might generate if the Mets do shop him.
“People familiar with the Mets’ thinking say they still do not have a sense of whether Bichette will opt out of his three-year, $142 million deal after this year,” Chelsea Janes reported for SNY. “If he finishes strong, he will probably want to take advantage of a weak free agent hitters’ class. If he doesn’t, he will probably want to stay and prove he deserves a long-term deal. In either case, he is an asset on what might be an expiring contract, which means it is fair to ask whether the Mets will explore trading him.”
For now, Bichette’s focus appears unchanged. Shortly after exiting Toronto in search of a championship opportunity, he has made it clear that his priority remains helping the Mets win rather than entertaining trade speculation. Ultimately, he will have the ability to block any unwanted trade, but if he plans to opt-out of his new contract, it seems like he could approve a move to finish the season out elsewhere.