Bichette Opts In for $42M as Mets Face a Hurried Winter Before Looming Lockout

Bo Bichette's opt-in was just the first step in a hurried Mets offseason. The shortstop answered one question on Thursday, choosing to opt in for next season and eliminating the possibility he will hit the open market on Monday. Bichette still has $84 million over two years remaining on the deal he signed with the club last winter after declining the Phillies' long-term offer, and his contract also contains an opt-out after next season. That leaves the Mets without a free agent after reliever Chris Devenski was designated for assignment. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns likely faces a less active offseason than he had a year ago, when he overhauled the roster, but he has indicated the team will, at bare minimum, look for starting pitching help. It would also be somewhat surprising if another bat is not added. The wider winter shapes as anything but normal: players can negotiate and sign with other teams from Monday, November 2, the general managers' meetings follow in Las Vegas from November 10 to 12, and the collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, signalling the beginning of a lockout by owners anxious to implement a salary cap. Dodgers left-hander Tarik Skubal will be the winter's prize in free agency.