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AP, NEW YORK
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Bo Bichette and the New York Mets on Tuesday night finalized their US$126 million, three-year contract.
The sides agreed to terms last week, subject to a physical. Bichette spurned National League East rivals the Philadelphia Phillies to sign with the Mets.
A two-time All-Star shortstop with the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette would move to third base with the Mets, who have Francisco Lindor at shortstop. Bichette has never played a professional game at the hot corner.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette, right, hits a three-run homer against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 7 of the World Series in Toronto on Nov. 1 last year.
Photo: The Canadian Press via AP
“Throughout his career, Bo has distinguished himself as one of the best pure right-handed hitters in baseball,” Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said in a statement.
About two hours later, the busy Mets acquired center fielder Luis Robert Jr from the Chicago White Sox in a trade for infielder Luisangel Acuna and minor league pitcher Truman Pauley.
Bichette can opt out of his contract after the first or second season to become a free agent again. He would receive US$47 million for one year and US$89 million for two years.
The deal does not contain any deferred money and Bichette gets a full no-trade provision. His US$42 million average annual value ties for the sixth-highest in baseball history.
Bichette batted .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs and an .840 OPS in 139 games for the Blue Jays last year. He hit a three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
