Category: Sports News

Bo Bichette reached the 11th inning of Game 7 of the World Series last season with the Blue Jays, but fell short of a championship ring.

The sting is still real.

“This is probably helping,” Bichette said Wednesday at Citi Field, where he was introduced as the new Mets third baseman. “To be that close, you never know when you’re going to get that opportunity. But I think this team has an opportunity to let me get there.”

Bichette, 27, arrived on a three-year deal worth $126 million that includes opt-outs after the first two seasons.

He brings an authoritative right-handed bat to a lineup that subtracted Pete Alonso, who accepted a $155 million offer over five years from the Orioles.

Last year, Bichette posted a .311/.357/.483 slash line with 18 homers and 94 RBIs in 139 games before missing the final three weeks of the regular season (he returned for the World Series) with a left knee sprain.

The question isn’t so much what Bichette will bring offensively — he’s posted an OPS of at least .800 in six of his seven major league seasons — but whether he can adapt to his new position, third base.

Accompanied by his family, which included his father Dante — a former outfielder with the Brewers, Angels and Rockies, Reds and Red Sox — Bichette said he expects to succeed in the transition from shortstop (he also played second base in the World Series).

“It’s going to take work to be good at something and I’m willing to put in that work and we’ll get after it,” Bichette said. “I’m already getting after it. But we’ll get after it more when I get down to Port St. Lucie.”

The revamped Mets infield also includes Marcus Semien at second base with Jorge Polanco at first base. Both are also former shortstops.

“I think there’s probably going to be a lot of days this season where we are playing four shortstops on the infield, and that’s a pretty distinct advantage,” Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said. “I definitely think there’s going to be a learning curve. I’m not trying to dismiss that at all.

“We’re probably going to make a mistake or two, but we’re also going to have an elite range around the infield and that’s pretty exciting.”

Bichette was close to accepting an offer from the Phillies — the team’s president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski called it a “gut punch” to lose him. But Stearns downplayed the angle of the Mets stealing a player from a top division rival.

“I understand that fans find that satisfying,” Stearns said. “I think we need to make sure we are acquiring players, and especially at acquisitions of this magnitude, that we are acquiring players that fit what we want to do, not remove them from another team.”

The Mets filled another hole this week by acquiring center fielder Luis Robert Jr. in a trade with the White Sox for Luisangel Acuña and minor league pitcher Truman Pauley. Stearns struck again Wednesday night, landing ace Freddy Peralta in a trade with the Brewers.

Stearns was asked if he could envision adding another piece to the lineup.

“I would say I feel good about where our position grouping is,” Stearns said. “But at this point in the offseason you can never predict what is going to happen. Different things emerge. We’re not going to close the door on anything.”

Bichette indicated he’s communicated multiple times in recent days with Semien, his former teammate with the Blue Jays. The 35-year-old Semien arrived in a November trade with Texas for Brandon Nimmo.

“[Semien] is a good one, he showed me the ropes, he’s a hard worker, he’s all business,” Bichette said. “He’s a competitor. He was a great mentor for me and I’m sure that in some ways I will still look up to him.”

Semien hasn’t visited Citi Field since his trade to the Mets and had a question for Bichette.

“He asked me what the clubhouse looks like and I had good reviews,” Bichette said.

The Mets and White Sox were in contact for a long time. 

New York showed interest in dynamic center fielder Luis Robert Jr. ahead of last year’s deadline, but Chicago ultimately decided to hold onto him and exercise his club option. 

Talks reignited this winter with the Mets still in search of outfield help, and the two sides were finally able to come to terms on an agreement on Tuesday night. 

In exchange, New York sent Luisangel Acuña and RHP Truman Pauley to Chicago.

While there are some red flags in his profile, the 28-year-old Robert brings an intriguing change of scenery candidate into the everyday centerfield role in Flushing.

For the White Sox, the deal not only opens up some financial flexibility, but it also adds another intriguing young piece in Acuña to their up-and-coming roster. 

The 23-year-old is someone GM Chris Getz says they’ve been tracking for a long time.  

“It really is about being able to bring in Acuña,” Getz told reporters Wednesday. “We’re talking about a player that comes with five-plus years of control. One of the younger, more exciting players in our game who hasn’t really gotten a runway at the major league level. 

“I know over in New York, they did not want to get rid of him, that’s because of how valuable he can be with a team. Now, he was on a roster that didn't really allow him to show what he could do on a regular basis, and we're going to be able to provide that."

Acuña showed flashes of that upside the White Sox value, but he was ultimately never able to carve out a consistent everyday role with the crowded infield in the Big Apple. 

He has just 13 XBH’s and a .640 OPS over his first 214 big-league at-bats.

The youngster wasn’t going to receive that opportunity again with the Mets adding Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette this winter, but now he’ll get his shot in Chicago.  

From wedding day to signing day. 

Bo Bichette was joined by his new bride, Alexis, at Citi Field on Wednesday afternoon as he was introduced as the newest member of the Mets organization after he signed a three-year, $126 million deal.

The newly dubbed Mrs. Bichette donned a blue and orange New York or Nowhere hat, adding more Mets colors with her top. 

Alexis and Bo posed together on the steps of the home team’s first base dugout with a snow-covered field in the background at the Queens baseball park. 

The day at Citi Field came just weeks after the couple wed in a ceremony that had a number of his former Blue Jays teammates in attendance. 

The nuptials took place the first weekend of January and appeared to be held at The Urban Stillhouse by Horse Soldier in St. Petersburg, Fla., according to images posted on social media. 

Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement was among those invited and spoke about it before the big day. 

Congratulations to Bo and Alexis Bichette! #Wedding#BlueJays#BoBichettepic.twitter.com/WL0Hcqgd7t

— Blue Jays Central (@BlueJayCentral) January 6, 2026

“Somehow, I was lucky enough to get the invite. I’m honoured, truly, because him and his lady are just the best,” Clement said on the “Off the Roster” podcast, per the Toronto Star. 

Bichette, who is expected to shift to third third base in New York, donned the Mets jersey and cap for the first time on Wednesday during a press conference at Citi Field. 

He spoke glowingly of what the Mets are putting together in Queens and his belief in the ballclub. 

“With a lot of prayer and conversations with my family and my agents and even some friends, came to the conclusion that it was very obvious that I wanted to be a Met,” he said. “Mr. Cohen and David [Stearns] have put together an organization is looking to win every single year.

“Has an opportunity to win a World Series every single year and a roster that backs that up. It’s very exciting to be a part of this city.”

The Dodgers did not go into this offseason anticipating they’d ultimately sign Kyle Tucker. 

Even up until a couple weeks ago, their chances of nabbing the four-time All-Star –– given their preference for a shorter-term deal –– seemed more wishful than expectant.

Yet, here Tucker was on Wednesday afternoon: Shaking hands with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes. Slipping into a white No. 23 Dodgers jersey and a blue LA cap. Being formally introduced at a Chavez Ravine press conference, shortly after his blockbuster four-year, $240 million contract with the club was finalized and announced.

“When we started the offseason and [were] talking about various fits on the trade market, free agent market, there was really nobody that moved our World Series odds for 2026 more than Kyle Tucker,” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. 

And in the end, despite the early uncertainty, the Dodgers once again prevailed in a high-priced sweepstakes.

To the two-time World Series victors, go the spoils of another superstar acquisition.

“It’s a first-class experience,” Tucker said of joining the Dodgers. “Playing here is exciting.”

As Tucker officially joins the Dodgers, here are three takeaways from Wednesday’s press conference about how the signing came to be, and how the outfield slugger will aid their bid for a World Series three-peat.

A late, but fitting, match

At the start of the offseason, the Dodgers’ plan for pursuing Tucker was simple.

They would reach out with interest, as they do with almost all top free-agent players. They would let it be known up front they were looking for a shorter-term pact (initially, their preference was for up to three years, per sources, given their pre-existing long-term commitments and the looming uncertainty of next winter’s CBA negotiations). Then, they would see how Tucker’s market developed, and whether or not he received the 10-plus year, $400-plus million type offers he was widely projected to field.

“At the beginning of the offseason, you don’t know what the likelihood of that is,” Friedman said. “All you can do is kind of state your strong interest and sell as much as you can.”

Other clubs made their own enticing pitch to the two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove-winning right fielder.

In December, Tucker had an in-person meeting with his perceived top suitor, the Toronto Blue Jays –– who gave him a tour of their spring training facilities (conveniently located near his offseason home in Tampa) and would eventually pony up the longer-term offer he was believed to be seeking (albeit, at 10 years and only $350 million, per The Post’s Jon Heyman).

By early January, the New York Mets had entered the picture, too, pursuing Tucker with a shorter-term proposal sweetened by an eye-popping $50-plus million in annual salary (their final offer was four years and $220 million).

The Dodgers, however, stayed in contact with Tucker’s camp throughout. Early last week, they held a video call with the 29-year-old in which he expressed an encouraging “level of engagement,” Friedman said. Suddenly, hopes were raised that the sides could find a pathway to a deal.

“When we’ve seen these kinds of shorter-term, higher-AAV deals, I don’t think they’ve ever come when [the player] also had a really long, significant deal [they were considering] as well,” Friedman said. “He had that opportunity. And so for us, it was about selling the opportunity to play with these guys, to play in front of these fans, to play in this city, to connect with this community.”

And, of course, to make a lot of money while doing it.

An ‘easier’ decision in the end

While Friedman acknowledged negotiations with Tucker’s camp “started lower” than the eventual $240 million agreement the sides would eventually strike, the Dodgers ramped up their efforts in the closing days of Tucker’s free agency –– buoyed by the financial windfalls that have come with their back-to-back titles and Ohtani-driven revenue boosts.  

Their final bid included $60 million in annual salary (the second-highest in the sport, behind only Shohei Ohtani), a $64 million signing bonus (which will help offset the $30 million in payments that Tucker agreed to defer) and opt-outs after both the second and third seasons of the deal (which will allow Tucker to test the market again in a couple years).

Based on net-present value, which accounts for deferrals, Tucker’s $57 million AAV is a new MLB record.

“Really, it’s as simple as, we’re in a really strong position organizationally, financially, and we feel an immense pressure to pour back into our fans,” Friedman said.

Added Gomes: “When we had the opportunity to do it –– and this was a real chance to fill a hole that would really impact our team –– we did it. So it was one of those things where we were waiting around and being in contact, and then things developed pretty quickly over 5-7 days.”

Still, Tucker cited the Dodgers’ organizational success and talent-laiden roster as a primary appeal to him, as well.

“The team these guys put together and assembled, to give a great product for the fanbase and the city, to go out there and compete for a championship, kind of speaks for itself,” Tucker said. “Taking all of that into account, wanting to be a part of it, I think it’s very special.”

Thus, Tucker came to his final decision last Thursday night, describing his decision to pick the Dodgers as “a little bit easier” in the end.

“That was ultimately what we wanted to do,” he said, “is come here, and be a part of that, and try to win another World Series.”

The new right fielder

The reason the Dodgers were willing to splurge on Tucker (whose signing pushes their luxury tax payroll back above $400 million for a second-straight season, a threshold no other MLB team has ever crossed) is because he instantly addresses their only remaining area of need for 2026.

Before, the Dodgers had a corner outfield opening, with a potential Alex Call/Ryan Ward platoon representing their best in-house option. Now, Tucker will be the primary right fielder, shifting Teoscar Hernández to left with Andy Pages in center.

Tucker also gives the Dodgers lineup –– at times too top-heavy and inconsistent last year –– another impact hitter capable of being both a slugging and on-base threat.

He will likely either second or third in the batting order, according to Roberts.

“He brings power, discipline, athleticism and consistency, all qualities we feel strongly help contribute to winning championships,” Gomes said.

Roberts set expectations for Tucker –– who has been one of the game’s most consistent producers over the last five seasons, but has recorded just one top-five MVP finish in his career –– even higher.

“Do I think [he could be] an MVP candidate?” Roberts asked rhetorically. “Absolutely.”

Kyle Tucker knows what’s being said about him.

About how he lacks enthusiasm for baseball.

About how he doesn’t have the heart to play through injuries.

About how his $240-million contract was an overpay for a player with only one top-five finish in MVP voting.

Introduced as the Dodgers’ latest addition in a Wednesday morning news conference, the 29-year-old outfielder said his understated personality shouldn’t be mistaken for absence of passion.

“I know what I try and do on the field and what I bring in the clubhouse,” Tucker said.

Which would make sense.

Players without internal drives usually don’t develop the kind of well-rounded game that made Tucker the grand prize of this free-agent market. They might have their moments, but they don’t maintain their performance levels for enough time to become four-time All-Stars, as Tucker has.

An absence of passion is alarming for a region in which Dwight Howard failed the Lakers, Anthony Rendon destroyed the Angels and Chip Kelly obliterated UCLA football, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he was certain Tucker has the fortitude that belongs on a high-character team.

“There’s an inner fire I’ve seen,” manager Dave Roberts said.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said he picked up on that in his conversations with Tucker.

Friedman said Tucker showed he valued the details of the game. He said Tucker was interested in how the Dodgers could assist him in becoming a better player, whether it be in the batter’s box, in the outfield, or on the basepaths.

“Having a guy who has achieved what he has, but still has that mentality of, ‘How do I get better?’” Friedman said. “Those are the guys that make it easier to bet on.”

Friedman wondered how much the public perception of Tucker has been hurt because he doesn’t have an “outward, exuberant personality.”

Judging by his introductory news conference, Tucker is Shohei Ohtani without his disarming smile.

His delivery was monotone. He registered no emotion as he relayed a light-hearted story about Freddie Freeman FaceTiming him to tell him to not do “anything stupid.”

About the only time Tucker became animated was when he leaped to the defense of Roberts when I teased the manager for not relinquishing his No. 30 jersey to him. (Roberts wears the number in honor of late mentor Maury Wills.)

There were traces of his emotional investment, however.

“I try and do my best out there, regardless of how I feel or what the situation is,” he said.

Tucker was slowed by injuries over the last two years.

He spoke about what he could contribute to the team when he was slumping — by moving runners over, by making pitchers work, by drawing walks.

“Little things like that can add up to a lot of wins throughout the season,” he said.

Tucker played in the postseason in each of the last seven years and said he was looking forward to returning with the Dodgers.

“I’m fired up,” he said.

Perhaps Tucker’s personality will emerge in time. Los Angeles can have that effect on players.

Tucker will wear No. 23 with the Dodgers, inheriting a number once worn by Adrian Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was known as an introvert when he was acquired by the Dodgers in a blockbuster trade in 2012. By his second season with him, he was raising his hands to the sides of his helmet as if they were Mickey Mouse ears. He quickly became one of the most popular Dodgers of his generation.

And, remember, it was only a couple of years ago that Mookie Betts’ focus was being questioned. Two more World Series championships and a successful move to shortstop have dispelled any misgivings about Betts’ dedication. 

As were the cases with Gonzalez and Betts, the Dodgers believe there’s more in Tucker than he has shown. 

“I do think that Kyle’s mindset on the micro, the day-to-day, just winning a baseball game, that’s in line with what we do,” Roberts said.

The manager continued, “Do I think [he could be] an MVP candidate? Absolutely. Do I think he can win a Gold Glove? Absolutely.”

Tucker does that, and he could be in line for another contract with the Dodgers. Tucker’s deal is for four years, with opt-outs after the second and third years.

“In two or three years, we’ll know a lot more about things than we do now,” Friedman said. 

More specifically, they’ll know more about how seriously Tucker takes the game. They’ll know if he can be more than a reinforcement on an already-loaded roster. They’ll know if he is the caliber of player, and person, around which a championship team can be built.

LOS ANGELES — To say that Dave Roberts and Maury Wills were close is an understatement. Wills, the Dodgers’ all-time stolen base leader and six-time National League steals leader, took the base-stealing Roberts under his wing when Roberts was playing, and became a confidant for two decades, until Wills died in 2022.

“He was a friend, a father, a mentor, all of the above for me. This one is a tough one,” Roberts said after Wills’ death three and a half years ago. “He showed me to appreciate my craft, and what it is to be a big leaguer. He just loved to teach. A lot of where I get my excitement, my passion, my love for players is from him.”

Twenty-three different Dodgers players have worn number 30 since Wills last donned the uniform in 1972, including Roberts from 2002-04 when he was playing for the Dodgers. Roberts resumed wearing number 30 when he took over as manager in Los Angeles for the 2016 season.

So it was going to be a tall order for Kyle Tucker, who wore number 30 in his last five seasons with the Houston Astros, and also in 2025 with the Chicago Cubs, to keep wearing that same number with the Dodgers. But he had to at least try.

“I kind of knew the reasoning behind having the number 30, but I was like, I’m just gonna take a shot in the dark here and see what happens,” Tucker said during his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday. “I wasn’t necessarily expecting it.”

“It was a fun conversation Tuck and I had, and it was more — you know, Maury and I just had a great relationship,” Roberts said Wednesday. “One of the things that he was like, ‘Gosh, when I die I hope no one else wears that number.’ It’s really near and dear to me, so we talked about it.”

The Dodgers typically only retire uniform numbers of Hall of Famers who go into Cooperstown representing the team, with only two exceptions to date — Jim Gilliam and Fernando Valenzuela. Roberts is well on his way down the Hall of Fame path, having won three championships and five pennants in his 10 years on the job.

Roberts is one of only 11 managers to win the World Series at least three times. Nine of the other 10 are in the Hall of Fame, and Bruce Bochy will likely join them as early as 2027, depending on whether he decides to keep managing. Same for the 16 National League/American League managers with at least five pennants under their belt — 14 already in Cooperstown, plus Bochy and Roberts.

In other words, Roberts will likely have a plaque of his own in the Hall of Fame one day, and the number 30 will be retired at Dodger Stadium. He’ll be the last one to wear it.

Another connection to Wills is that in 2003, the middle year of Roberts’ three seasons playing in Los Angeles, he was teammates with utility man Jason Romano, who is now Tucker’s agent at Excel Sports.

With 30 unavailable, Tucker chose to wear number 23 with the Dodgers. That was the number worn by Michael Conforto, who’s one year with the Dodgers last season did not work out as either side planned. Though Tucker is going to play right field — with Teoscar Hernández shifting to left field, which both Roberts and Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirmed on Wednesday — he’s essentially directly replacing Conforto, who played left field last season. So perhaps it’s fitting that he’s wearing the same number.

But Tucker had a different reason for choosing it. That was the number worn by Michael Brantley, the longtime Guardians outfielder who played the final five seasons of his career (2019-23) in Houston, alongside Tucker’s rise to a full-time player and eventual four-time All-Star.

“With me going to 23 — I mean, [Roberts] looking up to Maury Wills and kind of being his mentor and everything coming up, and him wanting to wear that for him — kind of the same thing with me, with 23 and Michael Brantley,” Tucker explained. “He’s the guy I hung out with a lot coming up in Houston, and he was a phenomenal ballplayer and one of my close friends. That played a big part into my choice going with that.”