New York, New York
By John Jastremski
The winter months so far have not been kind to David Stearns and the New York Mets.
Sure, they’ve told you that a plan is in place. Yes, publicly they have remained confident about their process.
However, as of 4 days ago. The plan was not exactly one that had Mets fans jumping for joy.
So far this winter, it’s been the winter of departure. First Brandon Nimmo, but in a two day span Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso became former Mets.
No disrespect to Jorge Polanco and Luke Weaver, but not exactly the moves that have you high fiving your buddy at work walking into the office.
The Mets last week appeared poised to make a big splash. As of last Thursday, the team was hot and heavy for Cubs All Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Tucker was looking for a short term contract with a crazy high yearly salary.
Despite some of the fit concerns I had with the player, on a short term deal, this appeared to be in the David Stearns wheelhouse, until guess who?
Yep… The Dodgers!!!!! Swooped in and made Tucker an offer he couldn’t refuse.
After losing Alonso and Diaz and now missing out on Kyle Tucker, the Mets had to do something this offseason. After all, you just can’t sit on all that Steve Cohen loot!
Thankfully Friday, they pivoted beautifully.
Out of nowhere, the Mets signed infielder Bo Bichette to a three year contract.
Bichette is a right handed hitting machine. He is a throwback player, puts the ball in play and has exactly the sort of attitude the 2026 Mets should be looking for.
He is a natural shortstop, so he will be moving positions, which certainly contradicts the run prevention narrative you’ve heard throughout this offseason.
However, cast that aside.
Bichette makes the 2026 Mets a significantly better team.
He can hit behind Juan Soto. He has the right makeup to handle New York City.
Oh and the Phillies were interested! So much for that!
The Bo Bichette signing will bring about a variety of questions about how the rest of the roster will look moving closer to Opening Day.
However, there is no question that the Mets are a much better team than they were on Thursday night.
This was a move that had to be made.
You can listen to my podcast New York, New York on The Ringer Podcast Network on Spotify/Apple Podcasts every Sunday & Thursday. You can watch me nightly at 11 PM on Honda Sports Nite on SNY.
