New York Mets’ Former GM Sounds Alarm On Bo Bichette Opt Out Report

Nightengale’s report quickly became a topic of discussion around the sport, including for MLB Network Radio’s Steve Phillips, who served as the Mets general manager from 1997 to 2003.

“I really can’t imagine why any executive would think that the season he’s having would be worthy of opting out, considering that he’s going to walk away from so much money that he’s not going to find in free agency from anybody else,” Phillips said during a recent segment. “Nobody’s going to give him $40 million a year, nobody’s going to give him $30 million a year, in fact, I don’t think anybody’s going to give him $20 million a year in free agency if he keeps going the way he’s putting this season together this year.”

New York Mets’ Bo Bichette Faces Important Exit Decision

The comments highlight the unusual position that Bichette finds himself in as the season progresses.

When the Mets signed him to the opt-out friendly deal, the expectation was that a return to his All-Star form could eventually make a quick exit attractive. Instead, Bichette's current performance makes the remaining guaranteed money significantly more valuable than anything he is likely to find on the open market.

That doesn't necessarily mean the executive consensus that Nightengale reported will prove inaccurate. Players and agents often weigh factors beyond immediate dollar amounts, including long-term market conditions, confidence in future performance and preferred destinations. Bichette might feel like the pressure in New York or the poor performances across the rest of the roster could call for an exit.

But with several months remaining in the season, Bichette still has time to strengthen his case either way. At this point, though, walking away from that contract would be a surprising gamble based on the season Bichette has put together so far.