For at least one season, the New York Mets’ roster should once again be top-notch, and a tricky opportunity for opposing hitters.
Their agreement of Jan. 16 and infielder Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal doesn’t exactly replace Pete Alonso, but it refreshes the roster with one of the best hitters in the game.
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And Mets fans who weren’t mourning the loss of No. 1 free agent Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers are now reminded that they have plenty of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers, too.
Joined by $765 million shortstop Juan Soto and All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, Bichette both expanded and diversified New York’s roster. Bichette had 181 hits in 139 games in 2025, and twice led the AL in hits, in 2021 (191) and 2022 (189).
It also lessens the reliance on young cornerbacks Mark Vientos and Brett Baty, who will still get plate appearances at first, third and designated hitter, as well as former acquisition Jorge Polanco. But don’t get too comfortable: Bichette has an opt-out clause after the first two years of this contract, and a healthy and productive 2026 season means he’ll likely hit the market again next winter when he’s 28 years old.
The Mets projected a starting lineup with Bo Bichette
Mark Vientos / Brett Baty, DH
Carson Benge, LF (prospect)
1 / 11
Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
In 2025, Kyle Tucker spent one season with the Chicago Cubs. He had a .266 batting average with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs.
1 / 11
Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
In 2025, Kyle Tucker spent one season with the Chicago Cubs. He had a .266 batting average with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs.
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Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
Kyle Tucker steals second base as Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner runs for a tag at Wrigley Field on April 25, 2025.
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Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
Chicago Cubs left fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) celebrates with Kyle Tucker after hitting a three-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on June 24, 2025.
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Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
Kyle Tucker hits an RBI sacrifice fly during the third inning against St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on July 6, 2025.
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Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
On Dec. 13, 2024, Kyle Tucker was traded by the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs for Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith and Hayden Wesneski.
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Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
Kyle Tucker walks off the field before a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park on May 21, 2024.
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Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
Kyle Tucker rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers at Minute Maid Park on May 19, 2024.
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Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
Houston Astros’ Michael Brantley and Kyle Tucker celebrate in the locker room after winning the 2022 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Minute Maid Park on Nov. 5, 2022.
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Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker talks to the media after winning the 2022 season Glove Award before Game 3 of the 2022 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Nov. 1, 2022.
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Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker reaches to catch the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on June 5, 2022.
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Kyle Tucker joins the Dodgers: A look at the four-time MLB All-Star’s career
Kyle Tucker is congratulated in the dugout after scoring a run against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park on July 14, 2018. Tucker made his major league debut on July 7 of that season.
This article first appeared in USA TODAY: Mets projected lineup with Bo Bichette: Where’s the All-Star?
