Locked On Mets - Daily Podcast On The New York Mets

New York Mets weigh free agent options to fill their final bench spot—will veteran leadership or utility versatility win out?  With debates swirling over candidates like Starling Marte, Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, and Jose Iglesias, the spotlight turns to how the Mets can best round out their 2026 roster with impactful role players.Ryan Finkelstein examines the team’s current bench composition, including the roles of Tyrone Taylor, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos, while addressing offseason rumors around Ty France and Paul Goldschmidt.  Key topics include the importance of defensive flexibility, backup shortstop depth, and whethe...

New York Mets set the stage for a big 2026 with Carson Benge as their potential everyday left fielder—will the team lock up their prized prospect with a pre-arbitration extension?  Excitement grows as David Stearns expresses unwavering confidence in Benge, prompting questions about service time manipulation, PPI eligibility, and the blueprint for early-career deals that could shape the future of the franchise.Ryan Finkelstein breaks down recent trends in MLB contract extensions, examining deals like Luis Robert’s six-year, $50 million contract, Jackson Chourio’s record-setting pre-debut pact, and the unique incentives around the prospect promotion incenti...

Eugenio Suarez signs a shockingly low one-year, $15 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds, raising questions about the New York Mets’ decision to lock in Jorge Polanco for two years at $40 million.  Did the Mets jump the gun in free agency, and will the move pay off as they seek to reinvent their lineup after losing Pete Alonso?Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Mets’ offseason strategy, comparing Suarez, Polanco, and Ryan O’Hearn’s contracts, durability, and projected value.  The conversation highlights Polanco’s fit at first base, risks around his consistency and health, and whether...

New York Mets orchestrate a dramatic offseason overhaul, parting ways with Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Brandon Nimmo to reshape their defensive core.  Can Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Luis Robert deliver the spark Mets fans crave?  Ryan Finkelstein breaks down inside info from The Athletic, detailing the front office’s aggressive pursuit of defensive upgrades and high-upside plays that transformed the roster for 2026.Explore the Mets’ calculated decisions to bypass Alonso’s return, weigh costly bullpen moves like the Edwin Díaz and Devin Williams saga, and analyze the potential payoffs—and risks—of be...

Did the New York Mets pay too steep a price for Freddy Peralta—or will moving top prospect Jett Williams haunt their future?  Host Ryan Finkelstein and prospect expert Aram Leighton break down the blockbuster Mets-Brewers trade, weighing the value of arms like Brandon Sproat against the loss of dynamic talents such as Williams.  The show tackles whether Peralta can be New York’s missing ace and how Tobias Myers factors into the big league roster, while questioning if David Stearns made the right call pushing prospects to win now.The discussion heats up wit...

Will the Mets seize the opportunity to make Freddy Peralta the rotation’s foundation?  Host Ryan Finkelstein examines Peralta’s powerful press conference and follow-up interview, revealing why the former Milwaukee Brewers ace and lifelong Mets fan could be the perfect fit for New York.  Discussion centers on Peralta’s talent, charisma, and leadership, plus his deep ties to the city and frontrunners like David Stearns.Key topics include potential contract extension scenarios—could a six-year, $140 million deal secure Peralta’s future as the Mets’ ace?  The episode breaks down payroll implications, t...

New York Mets enter a defining season as Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Francisco Alvarez get their shot to become the next Mets core.  With Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil gone, host Ryan Finkelstein examines whether these former top prospects can stabilize the lineup or if 2026 marks their last ride in Queens.  Are Vientos’ power bat, Baty's rising versatility, and Alvarez’s defensive prowess enough to anchor the new era behind stars Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto?Key talking points include ZiPS projections for Vientos, Baty, and Alvarez, the power void left b...

Can Luis Robert Jr. reclaim his All-Star form, or will Marcus Semien power a New York Mets resurgence at age 35?  The Mets’ recent defensive upgrades spark debate: which new addition has a better shot at bouncing back offensively and transforming the lineup this season?Ryan Finkelstein spotlights Luis Robert Jr.’s elite bat speed, base-stealing potential, and revamped mechanics—questioning whether his move to Citi Field can reignite his superstar ceiling.  The episode breaks down Marcus Semien’s reliable glove, leadership, and changes in plate discipline, while scrutinizing his declining home run power and aged b...

New York Mets sign Craig Kimbrel to a minor-league deal, sparking questions about the bullpen’s future. Is a blockbuster move still looming, or will Kimbrel help anchor the late innings?  Ryan Finkelstein analyzes recent roster shuffles, the departure of key arms like Edwin Díaz and Tyler Rogers, and the addition of standout relievers Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Luis Garcia.Insights center on the Mets’ current bullpen construction, lingering gaps, and challenges with free-agent depth as potential upgrades like Seranthony Dominguez sign elsewhere.  Finkelstein explores possible trade targets such as Adrian Morejon...

New York Mets overhaul the roster in pursuit of a championship—did David Stearns ace his first big test in Queens?  Key offseason trades send Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso packing, as Juan Soto, Boba Bichette, Luis Robert, and Freddy Peralta headline the Mets’ renewed lineup and rotation.Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the front office’s strategy, revealing Joel Sherman’s insider details on the decision to prioritize defense, clubhouse leadership, and versatility.  Topics include the failed chase for Kyle Tucker, the pivot to Boba Bichette, and the implications for first base and DH with Jo...

New York Mets emerge as NL East rotation favorites after landing Freddy Peralta.  Can this star-powered pitching staff outshine the Braves and Phillies in 2026?Ryan Finkelstein breaks down how Freddy Peralta’s arrival transforms the Mets’ rotation, lowering the pressure on arms like Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea and offering crucial depth with Noah McLean, David Peterson, and Clay Holmes.  The discussion covers injury risks for division rivals, the Mets’ impressive top-nine starting pitcher depth—featuring prospects Jonah Tong and Christian Scott—and why competitors like the Phillies and Braves face major question marks.  ...

New York Mets eye a crucial turning point as ace Freddy Peralta expresses openness to a contract extension.  Will David Stearns seize the opportunity and lock down Peralta as the centerpiece of the Mets’ rotation for years to come?Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Mets’ potential investment in Peralta, spotlighting the former Brewers pitcher’s rise as a strikeout machine and clubhouse leader.  Key talking points include Peralta’s connection with Stearns, extension comparisons to stars like Dylan Cease and Ranger Suarez, and the impact on future free-agent options like Tarik Skubal or Shane Bieb...

New York Mets fans get the answers they've been craving—David Stearns transforms the Mets into legitimate World Series contenders with bold roster moves and creative front office maneuvering.  Can this reinvented core outshine last year's team and finally dethrone NL East rivals like the Braves and Phillies?Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Mets' dramatic offseason overhaul: moving on from Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Jeff McNeil, acquiring impact names like Marcus Semien, Devin Williams, Jorge Polanco, Bo Bichette, Luis Robert, and ace Freddy Peralta, plus smart bullpen additions like Luis Garcia.  Key disc...

New York Mets make a franchise-defining splash, acquiring ace Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers in a blockbuster trade that sends top prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat packing.  Is this the move that cements the Mets as National League East favorites?Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the high-stakes swap, weighing the Mets’ willingness to part with two Top 100 prospects for a workhorse starter with a stellar 2.70 ERA.  The analysis unpacks how Peralta slots into a fortified rotation alongside Kodai Senga and Nolan McLean, the potential impact of team-controlled arm Tobias Myers, and the...

New York Mets shake up their roster as Bo Bichette is introduced and Cody Bellinger signs a blockbuster deal to return to the Yankees.  Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Mets’ strategic acquisition of Bichette, analyzes the club’s pivot from Bellinger to trades for Luis Robert, and discusses how these fresh additions reshape both the lineup and defensive outlook for New York.Key topics include insights from the Bichette press conference, the specifics of Bellinger’s Yankees contract, and David Stearns’ approach in navigating the free agent and trade markets.  The episode examines potential...

New York Mets land Luis Robert Jr. in a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox, solidifying their outfield and avoiding a major prospect haul. Could this move elevate the Mets into true contenders, or will questions linger around Robert’s consistency and health?Ryan Finkelstein reacts to the surprise deal, breaking down why sending Luisangel Acuña and 12th-round pick Truman Pauley to Chicago is a win for the Mets’ lineup flexibility and defensive strength.  Key topics include Luis Robert Jr.’s potential impact in center field, the shakeup’s effect on prospects like Carson Ben...

New York Mets shake up their roster with the blockbuster addition of Bo Bichette—could Mark Vientos be on the trading block?  Suddenly, roles at first base and designated hitter are up for grabs as Brett Baty and Jorge Polanco become central figures in the lineup shuffle.  Is Vientos’s home run power enough to secure his future in Queens, or will a trade provide a clearer path for rising talent?Ryan Finkelstein assesses the ripple effects of Bichette’s arrival, spotlighting Vientos’s trade value and possible landing spots, from the Rangers and Twins...

New York Yankees’ stalled negotiations with Cody Bellinger ignite a dramatic race—can the New York Mets capitalize and land MLB’s top remaining free agent?  With contract figures revealed and Scott Boras pushing for blockbuster terms, the dynamic between rival teams intensifies.  Are the Mets ready to shatter the luxury tax ceiling and rival the Dodgers’ spending, or will they opt for alternative roster upgrades like Harrison Bader, Lars Nootbaar, or making trade moves for pitchers such as Freddy Peralta or Framber Valdez?Ryan Finkelstein weighs the financial impact of a high-AAV, short-term...

New York Mets shake up their infield as Bo Bichette’s arrival throws Brett Baty’s future into question.  Could Baty’s role shift from starting third baseman to super utility, first base, or even left field—or will he become the centerpiece in a blockbuster trade?Ryan Finkelstein explores Baty’s journey, breakout performance, and versatility on defense, weighing his value to contending teams like the Brewers or Red Sox.  Insightful analysis covers Mark Vientos’ trade outlook, prospects Jacob Reimer and Jet Williams, and the potential impact of landing Freddie Peralta or Jarren Duran...

New York Mets stun the NL East by signing Bo Bichette as their new starting third baseman, snatching him away from the rival Philadelphia Phillies.  Can Bichette ignite the Mets’ lineup alongside Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Marcus Semien, forming one of MLB’s most formidable trios?Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the shockwaves from this unexpected deal, examining Bichette’s elite bat-to-ball skills, clutch performance with runners in scoring position, and the contract’s unique structure.  The conversation explores pressing questions surrounding Bichette’s transition to third base, the Mets’ strategy for run prevention, an...