World Series enlarges familiar NY Mets rumors we shouldn't expect to see come true

Sign a top free agent and put him at a different position. That’s the plan. Far from unconventional, it opens up more possibilities for the New York Mets. It’s not all about plugging in obvious holes or looking at the same names we have been for weeks or maybe months.

We’ve seen it before. The Mets agreed to terms with Carlos Correa to join them and play third base. Turned off by the results of his physical, Correa went back into free agency and eventually to the Minnesota Twins. A similar yet far less high-profile Mets rumor was around last offseason. Willy Adames was going to reunite with David Stearns but move from shortstop to third base. Again, it didn’t happen.

This offseason’s version of Correa and Adames will undoubtedly be Bo Bichette. The All-Star Toronto Blue Jays shortstop has never been all that great defensively. Replaced at shortstop and moved to second base for the World Series, teams in need of a resolution at that position have reason to stroke their beards and wonder if maybe he’s the upgrade they need. This includes the Mets who seem ready to turn the page on Jeff McNeil as the everyday starter at the position.

We’re going to get plenty of Mets rumors involving Bo Bichette, but they’ll fizzle like the similar ones in the past

No legitimate rumor, more so speculation by fans, have the Mets linked to Bichette. The logic is understandable. You’ll have a tough time finding a better middle infielder (offensively at least) than him on the free agent market. Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Kyle Schwarber seem to be driving the largest portion of the free agent market, but they seem more stabilized in a familiar role. Tucker will play a corner outfield position, Bregman third base, and Schwarber is a DH. Bichette has some flexibility, maybe even a third baseman if a team is bold enough.

The Mets have internal questions to ask themselves beyond McNeil’s presence. Where Brett Baty factors in is the biggest that would determine such a unique, or at least originally unforeseen, approach to the offseason.

Bichette was named as a fit for the Mets in Jim Bowden’s recent story at The Athletic. Listed at a distant ninth, it was more of an acknowledgment of the Mets’ consistent spending. They aren’t going to just pass on Bichette entirely without talking amongst themselves and maybe even with his agent.

This past season was good yet different for Bichette. His 44 doubles was a personal high while his 18 home runs was the lowest in any of his four full seasons. Batting .311 with a .357 OBP (both career-highs as well), we can see where he’d be an ideal match for many teams looking to boost their offense, the Mets included.