One more move can save Mets' winter after landing Bo Bichette, Luis Robert
- - One more move can save Mets' winter after landing Bo Bichette, Luis Robert
Gabe Lacques, USA TODAYJanuary 21, 2026 at 11:25 PM
1
Bo Bichette encountered the New York skyline for the first time knowing this wasn't just a stopover — it was now his professional home, for 2026 and maybe the next three years.
And while Bichette is a pretty worldly dude — his mother is Brazilian, his father played a dozen years in the big leagues and he spent his first six seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays — he admitted a new sensation upon this descent.
"When I landed," Bichette told reporters on Jan. 21, "I looked around and saw the city and it hit a little bit different than it does when you come as a road player. As a road player, you try to ignore all of it.
"When I landed, I kind of soaked it in and realized, ‘This is something. This is massive.’ It’s pretty cool."
The New York Mets think Bichette joining their rotating cadre of superstars is pretty cool, too.
The club introduced Bichette, signed to a three-year, $126 million contract, to the New York media one day after they solved an outfield problem by acquiring center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox. In just five days, they created a nightmare 1-2-3 atop the lineup with Bichette following Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, while edging toward the elite defensive alignment club president David Stearns sought in sticking Robert in the middle of the outfield.
Now, an 83-win disappointment won't be followed by a desultory and failed winter. Now, the Mets look an awful lot like the Steve Cohen Mets again.
"Mr. Cohen and David," says Bichette, "have put together an organization that wants to win every year, a chance to win the World Series every year. And a roster that backs that up."
Almost.
While integrating Bichette's 181 hits, 14.5% strikeout rate and career .330 batting average with runners in scoring position, there's just one major hole in the roster — and Stearns knows it.
$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BbBTB0gY_scJA2Vi6I3GfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2d1cf7ebf0084f8f62b2dce6d854b1b0 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)
">$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BbBTB0gY_scJA2Vi6I3GfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2d1cf7ebf0084f8f62b2dce6d854b1b0 class=caas-img>$700,000,000: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-33)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8T9jPw3ulIlBJCn9DtKDIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5370c6d3b6634c591bdd6aaf90e67b85 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$700,000,000: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-33)
">$700,000,000: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-33)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8T9jPw3ulIlBJCn9DtKDIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5370c6d3b6634c591bdd6aaf90e67b85 class=caas-img>$500,000,000: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (2026-39)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.lFAcNeqDV4KbiDI8mKHew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b886ce6837701d4aa78caf8ee8e7b842 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$500,000,000: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (2026-39)
">$500,000,000: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (2026-39)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.lFAcNeqDV4KbiDI8mKHew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b886ce6837701d4aa78caf8ee8e7b842 class=caas-img>$426.5 million: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2019-2030)* includes extension
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8lHk0k9XiFHaJ6c5rEsT0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9a0078a40ba701c10ef9c3d4a704380f class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$426.5 million: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2019-2030)* includes extension
">$426.5 million: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2019-2030)* includes extension
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8lHk0k9XiFHaJ6c5rEsT0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9a0078a40ba701c10ef9c3d4a704380f class=caas-img>$365 million: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-32)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/igo7.aEiNHxn6w74ySEmNw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9c7076ca2d38c525869e5dea9691742b class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$365 million: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-32)
">$365 million: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-32)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/igo7.aEiNHxn6w74ySEmNw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9c7076ca2d38c525869e5dea9691742b class=caas-img>$360 million: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (2023-2031)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.kll14vX6LcqdhExyl0EbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9cc03e22a2bf51cdf4a86e4634b128b8 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$360 million: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (2023-2031)
">$360 million: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (2023-2031)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.kll14vX6LcqdhExyl0EbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9cc03e22a2bf51cdf4a86e4634b128b8 class=caas-img>$350 million: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/489C8Uiz4K18k0UaChoTDA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/860307f78d595727e6e056b84eeceac3 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$350 million: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
">$350 million: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/489C8Uiz4K18k0UaChoTDA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/860307f78d595727e6e056b84eeceac3 class=caas-img>$341 million: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (2022-31)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OlIVsNZftaHaoMhKYUpaxQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5ada6776ea13e9cde6228fc88a01381c class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$341 million: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (2022-31)
">$341 million: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (2022-31)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OlIVsNZftaHaoMhKYUpaxQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5ada6776ea13e9cde6228fc88a01381c class=caas-img>$340 million: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (2021-34)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nAWm1NU2va2O8TaQSWb5Jg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/99c8b8c453356255eb69f4c1edc6d727 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$340 million: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (2021-34)
">$340 million: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (2021-34)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nAWm1NU2va2O8TaQSWb5Jg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/99c8b8c453356255eb69f4c1edc6d727 class=caas-img>$330,000,000: Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (2019-31)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vTT.7jmm.2S2rDEw.vCqaw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aae056c8a95eac53b3c2f235c441afd6 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$330,000,000: Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (2019-31)
">$330,000,000: Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (2019-31)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vTT.7jmm.2S2rDEw.vCqaw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aae056c8a95eac53b3c2f235c441afd6 class=caas-img>$325 million: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins (2015-2027) – traded to New York Yankees in 2017
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rejTtT8F3p..Y76ZUwSV1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57f3e45e0582b1418670cfc97f0641bb class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$325 million: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins (2015-2027) – traded to New York Yankees in 2017
">$325 million: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins (2015-2027) – traded to New York Yankees in 2017
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rejTtT8F3p..Y76ZUwSV1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57f3e45e0582b1418670cfc97f0641bb class=caas-img>$325 million: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers (2022-31)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RgZhb1qSNBYgaH_1_Cc5jQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/966d60fa6d1283cbc2dd2fa783ab24f9 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$325 million: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers (2022-31)
">$325 million: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers (2022-31)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RgZhb1qSNBYgaH_1_Cc5jQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/966d60fa6d1283cbc2dd2fa783ab24f9 class=caas-img>$325,000,000: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-35)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lSdeRQvP1KPkItsoq01YBA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/83315c6d9a3edbb46f34dacdb98675b5 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$325,000,000: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-35)
">$325,000,000: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-35)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lSdeRQvP1KPkItsoq01YBA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/83315c6d9a3edbb46f34dacdb98675b5 class=caas-img>$313.5 million: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (2024-33) - traded to San Francisco Giants in 2025
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/x8DM4RIMW4eE7Hg_wXw2Hw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a35ff3082fdf49d59d7749b357ef28e0 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$313.5 million: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (2024-33) - traded to San Francisco Giants in 2025
">$313.5 million: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (2024-33) - traded to San Francisco Giants in 2025
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/x8DM4RIMW4eE7Hg_wXw2Hw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a35ff3082fdf49d59d7749b357ef28e0 class=caas-img>$300 million: Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies (2023-33)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZeKFEThPO8G6eCNYto7KLg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c0a891a1472e16bee0cc77274aa2ead3 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$300 million: Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies (2023-33)
">$300 million: Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies (2023-33)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZeKFEThPO8G6eCNYto7KLg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c0a891a1472e16bee0cc77274aa2ead3 class=caas-img>$292 million: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (2014-2023)* includes extension
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ggsml8VRS_RwaU2agZdX5g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8296307ccc972e17866a7ffd7caafe8e class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$292 million: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (2014-2023)* includes extension
">$292 million: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (2014-2023)* includes extension
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ggsml8VRS_RwaU2agZdX5g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8296307ccc972e17866a7ffd7caafe8e class=caas-img>$288,777,777: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2024-34)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Nqb775teZ.817KIvs2ufBA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ff98dab5bf5ff88624dc5b3973c080ff class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$288,777,777: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2024-34)
">$288,777,777: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2024-34)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Nqb775teZ.817KIvs2ufBA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ff98dab5bf5ff88624dc5b3973c080ff class=caas-img>$280 million: Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u5fNioGA2.yQhrSmmzcBmA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a5591057a30e8c6b81501683a37bb196 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$280 million: Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
">$280 million: Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u5fNioGA2.yQhrSmmzcBmA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a5591057a30e8c6b81501683a37bb196 class=caas-img>$275 million: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (2008-2017)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/H8LuE2ckvvTNvLGWAukiSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/347655c39ed7790bc4d104af4615e597 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$275 million: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (2008-2017)
">$275 million: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (2008-2017)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/H8LuE2ckvvTNvLGWAukiSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/347655c39ed7790bc4d104af4615e597 class=caas-img>$260 million: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies (2019-26) - traded to St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, traded to Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IvbqOARKziWMmgH3qA7pLQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/260810052760990bc890e853f6dc9646 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$260 million: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies (2019-26) - traded to St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, traded to Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026
">$260 million: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies (2019-26) - traded to St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, traded to Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IvbqOARKziWMmgH3qA7pLQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/260810052760990bc890e853f6dc9646 class=caas-img>$252,000,000: Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers (2001-10)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/faE5rKUtgq.5L5BB_DvcmQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/64d718bbc082f2bca9a2b21072e9c990 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$252,000,000: Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers (2001-10)
">$252,000,000: Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers (2001-10)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/faE5rKUtgq.5L5BB_DvcmQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/64d718bbc082f2bca9a2b21072e9c990 class=caas-img>$245 million: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (2020-26)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KHaZlC.wJkkdK1TPyGCUMg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8f0f94d0247161e36e3fda9b50c063f1 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$245 million: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (2020-26)
">$245 million: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (2020-26)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KHaZlC.wJkkdK1TPyGCUMg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8f0f94d0247161e36e3fda9b50c063f1 class=caas-img>$245 million: Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels (2020-26)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GUTK08VMaYmxWf3n5asqUg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8162f10d4cc405865cc017f05b06c033 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$245 million: Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels (2020-26)
">$245 million: Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels (2020-26)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GUTK08VMaYmxWf3n5asqUg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8162f10d4cc405865cc017f05b06c033 class=caas-img>$240,000,000: Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers (2026-29)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2jlNLLPP.u4gyGXiCITJyA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/41170380d0717f5e973007e247234984 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$240,000,000: Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers (2026-29)
">$240,000,000: Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers (2026-29)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2jlNLLPP.u4gyGXiCITJyA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/41170380d0717f5e973007e247234984 class=caas-img>$240 million: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels (2012-2021)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u0l6Vucr6b0MkIN_NAdlzg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b4210575f3dfb2db0e3523d345526b97 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$240 million: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels (2012-2021)
">$240 million: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels (2012-2021)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u0l6Vucr6b0MkIN_NAdlzg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b4210575f3dfb2db0e3523d345526b97 class=caas-img>$240 million: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners (2014-2023) – traded to New York Mets in 2019
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/._q7zA_CAsNSdC7enwvKYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f04369c084e5545ba7c7f13af6ea0b1f class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$240 million: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners (2014-2023) – traded to New York Mets in 2019
">$240 million: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners (2014-2023) – traded to New York Mets in 2019
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/._q7zA_CAsNSdC7enwvKYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f04369c084e5545ba7c7f13af6ea0b1f class=caas-img>$225 million: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (2012-2021)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Mm4pk_iWSO8rSn3L8nVk9Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/07910bf43223573ee164a1b4a21df426 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$225 million: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (2012-2021)
">$225 million: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (2012-2021)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Mm4pk_iWSO8rSn3L8nVk9Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/07910bf43223573ee164a1b4a21df426 class=caas-img>
$217 million: David Price, Boston Red Sox (2016-2022) – traded to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BBrZz3plb50eeKJbVbunRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/21fec3299c141480bcb8ea60254fc543 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$217 million: David Price, Boston Red Sox (2016-2022) – traded to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020
">$217 million: David Price, Boston Red Sox (2016-2022) – traded to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BBrZz3plb50eeKJbVbunRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/21fec3299c141480bcb8ea60254fc543 class=caas-img>$215 million: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (2014-2020)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gZbSH4CNxy9A_z7o8Metrg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2851068c5e3cb4fd2dd8adf68f08c998 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$215 million: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (2014-2020)
">$215 million: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (2014-2020)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gZbSH4CNxy9A_z7o8Metrg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2851068c5e3cb4fd2dd8adf68f08c998 class=caas-img>$215 million: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (2020-28)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/waSRwKmedTQ2XMHAS_DLbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MzQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/db5290de7002d2a3e7bebcc7096bb0b2 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$215 million: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (2020-28)
">$215 million: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (2020-28)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/waSRwKmedTQ2XMHAS_DLbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MzQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/db5290de7002d2a3e7bebcc7096bb0b2 class=caas-img>$214 million: Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (2012-2020) – traded to Texas Rangers in 2013
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jXXE8dkiBUz.BWaa85kncw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0d3706ea3428251f5bbbd0c6df5160b7 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$214 million: Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (2012-2020) – traded to Texas Rangers in 2013
">$214 million: Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (2012-2020) – traded to Texas Rangers in 2013
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jXXE8dkiBUz.BWaa85kncw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0d3706ea3428251f5bbbd0c6df5160b7 class=caas-img>$212 million: Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves (2023-32)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WDpn2R7koOyeXO.hTHimdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f6a394302180544140e99d48a214f2f1 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$212 million: Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves (2023-32)
">$212 million: Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves (2023-32)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WDpn2R7koOyeXO.hTHimdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f6a394302180544140e99d48a214f2f1 class=caas-img>$210 million: Corbin Burnes, Arizona Diamondbacks (2025-30)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3HjTMdYcofVBOpSKmvLEJQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d02ae94ac11a2f856442ccfaaffabd8b class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$210 million: Corbin Burnes, Arizona Diamondbacks (2025-30)
">$210 million: Corbin Burnes, Arizona Diamondbacks (2025-30)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3HjTMdYcofVBOpSKmvLEJQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d02ae94ac11a2f856442ccfaaffabd8b class=caas-img>$210 million: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (2015-2021)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DE5EHlAfM9KCvW19wKpMPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1fe5175fc826e42fc8f026c900890d63 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$210 million: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (2015-2021)
">$210 million: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (2015-2021)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DE5EHlAfM9KCvW19wKpMPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1fe5175fc826e42fc8f026c900890d63 class=caas-img>$209.3 million: Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2023-34)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RqsG6pFSGDiOzFjJdj1K2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e0455d59c4ea1f7b884646125b46ed59 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$209.3 million: Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2023-34)
">$209.3 million: Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2023-34)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RqsG6pFSGDiOzFjJdj1K2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e0455d59c4ea1f7b884646125b46ed59 class=caas-img>$206.5 million: Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-2021) – traded to Houston Astros in 2019
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RtC0j_oWFejJJw0LWhjwEQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/62f8d63b0aa1060ecf644665b5fafc65 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$206.5 million: Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-2021) – traded to Houston Astros in 2019
">$206.5 million: Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-2021) – traded to Houston Astros in 2019
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RtC0j_oWFejJJw0LWhjwEQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/62f8d63b0aa1060ecf644665b5fafc65 class=caas-img>
$200 million: Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins (2023-28) - traded to Houston Astros in 2025
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/i_R8thR.NAKPj.nUZPataw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/370ead9a26a28c5fae48479b264927c2 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$200 million: Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins (2023-28) - traded to Houston Astros in 2025
">$200 million: Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins (2023-28) - traded to Houston Astros in 2025
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/i_R8thR.NAKPj.nUZPataw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/370ead9a26a28c5fae48479b264927c2 class=caas-img>
1 / 39MLB's $200+ million contracts
$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)
Mets' next target: Starting pitcher
The marriage of hedge fund kingpin Cohen and Stearns, who made his bones running an efficient shop in Milwaukee, has been largely successful. Stearns got out of the way when Cohen wanted to lavish $765 million on Juan Soto, while Cohen has abided by Stearns' desire to avoid big-dollar commitments to starting pitchers.
Yeah, about that.
The Mets are coming up on the opening of spring camp with a rotation pocked with youngsters (Nolan McLean, perhaps Jonah Tong) and a gaggle of whose ability to deliver significant innings might be in some question (Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga, David Peterson).
The cherry on top of what's already expected to be a $500 million outlay for salary and luxury taxes? A serviceable, if not dominant, starting pitcher.
Stearns knows this. And expects to fulfill it.
"My preference is to add a starting pitcher," Stearns told SNY following Bichette's press conference. "I’ve been open and honest about that through the entirety of the offseason.
"I can’t say with certainty we’ll be able to do that, but we remain engaged on a number of different fronts in that market. We’ve still got plenty of time to go in the offseason, plenty of time before Opening Day, so we’ll see where it heads."
This is a pretty rosy statement if you're a Mets fan. Fishing in multiple markets is an interesting concept, which suggests the Mets would be engaged in the short-term veteran pool (such as reuniting with Chris Bassitt, Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer) yet perhaps keeping an eye on if bigger prizes fall to them (Framber Valdez, most notably, and to a lesser degree Zac Gallen).
Perhaps that means a medium-term commitment to a Lucas Giolito type, or a swingman situation with a Zack Littell or Nick Martinez. The Mets could also try to trade for Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta or Washington Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore, but in dealing for those reasonably priced arms, the Mets lose their biggest advantage: Financial might. Either way, Stearns is on it, and a medium to major addition would make the entire Mets starting group look much better.
Chemistry test
Something went foul in the Mets' mix at the end of last season, when their four-month freefall coalesced in a final-day elimination. Not that there weren't logistical reasons to change the team's complexion, most notably by shipping out Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, and moving on from Pete Alonso.
Yet if it's impossible to measure what the Mets gain through subtraction, they can be sure the infield additions of Bichette and Marcus Semien are significant.
Those dudes are dawgs.
"One of the most competitive right-handed hitters in our sport," Stearns says of Bichette. "Incredible baseball aptitude. Anyone who’s watched him sees that very, very clearly.
"He intensely wants to win. Throughout that (negotiating) process it’s that intense desire to win that came through loud and clear."
For his part, Bichette is thrilled to reunite with Semien, who spent one year as Bichette's double-play partner in Toronto, hit 45 home runs and moved on to a $175 million contract — and a 2023 World Series championship — in Texas.
"I have a special relationship with him," says Bichette, who was 23 and in his first full major league season in 2021. "That was someone who taught me the ropes, showed me how to be a professional, someone who I respect a ton. It definitely adds to the excitement to get to play with him again."
Better yet, the Mets' Louis Vuitton lineup ensures that Semien, now 35, can lurk in its bottom third, not a bad piece of real estate for a guy whose adjusted OPS fell below league average last year, but still produced 3.3 WAR.
Bo Bichette poses for a photo during an introductory press conference after signing a contract with the New York Mets at Citi Field on Jan. 21, 2026.A winter less nuclear
To be certain, this was not a happily-ever-after kind of day in Queens.
Bichette has opt-out clauses after each of the first two seasons of this deal and, since he doesn't turn 28 until March, will be in prime position to cash in even more significantly next winter. Robert is a free agent after this season.
And perhaps the pitcher Stearns ultimately lands will be on a one-year deal, too.
That's OK. Cohen plays this market like a craps player spreads his chips around the board, seeing some vanish and re-loading for the next roll. Just a week ago, it looked like Cohen and Stearns crapped out.
Now they have Bichette and Robert in hand, a pitcher on the way and a winter narrative, shifted.
Now, they have a chance.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bo Bichette introduced by Mets: day after Luis Robert Jr. trade
Source: “AOL Sports”
