Bo Bichette is staying in New York. The infielder will exercise his $42 million player option to remain with the Mets next season, a source confirmed Friday.

That salary puts Bichette among the six highest-paid players in the majors for 2027. He also holds another $42 million player option for 2028.

The 28-year-old signed a three-year, $142 million deal in January after the Mets missed out on Kyle Tucker in free agency. New York moved the two-time All-Star shortstop to third base.

A slow start and a strong finish

The first months were hard. Bichette was booed at Citi Field during the opening series. Through June he hit .219 with five home runs while he learned his new position.

He turned it around over the final four months. He batted .284 with 13 home runs and a .772 OPS in 101 games and his defense at third improved. He finished the year at .260 with 18 home runs in 160 games.

A tough year in Queens

The Mets went 74-88 and finished last in the National League East. Injuries to Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor hurt the lineup. New York missed the playoffs for the second straight year even with the second-highest payroll in baseball.

Bichette's choice comes as the offseason begins with a possible lockout looming after the World Series.