Locked On Mets - Daily Podcast On The New York Mets

New York Mets send shockwaves through MLB by signing Bo Bichette to a blockbuster three-year, $126 million deal—poaching him from division rivals and reshaping their infield.  Will Bichette thrive as the Mets’ new third baseman, and what does this mean for Brett Beatty’s future in Flushing?Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Mets’ bold pivot after missing out on Kyle Tucker, exploring how Bichette’s arrival alters the lineup alongside Francisco Lindor and Marcus Semien.  Key topics include the impact of this move on New York’s offensive firepower, trade scenarios involving Beatty and Mark Vient...

New York Mets miss out on Kyle Tucker as the superstar outfielder signs a blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers—did Tucker ever really want to join the Mets?  The Mets’ aggressive four-year, $220 million offer ultimately gets trumped by the Dodgers, sparking debate about the Mets’ front-office strategy and future direction.Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the details behind Tucker’s contract, evaluates the Mets’ pivot options in free agency, and questions whether Cody Bellinger could be a smarter long-term fit for the outfield.  The episode explores the impact of passing on Pete Alonso, defe...

New York Mets ignite MLB free agency drama as Steve Cohen’s bold pursuit of Kyle Tucker shakes the market.  Will Tucker land in Queens on a record-shattering short-term megadeal, or will the Toronto Blue Jays counter with a decade-long offer to secure their next franchise cornerstone?  The entire baseball world awaits smoke signals as contract rumors swirl, social media explodes, and Cohen’s high-stakes tactics put both teams—and fan bases—on edge.Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the front office chess match, Tucker’s true fit alongside Juan Soto, and how these moves could...

New York Mets shake up MLB free agency by offering Kyle Tucker a staggering four-year, $200 million contract, challenging the Toronto Blue Jays’ long-term pursuit.  Will Tucker choose massive short-term earnings in Queens or decade-long security up north?  The heated bidding war also sparks questions about potential Dodgers involvement and how contract structures—opt outs, AAV, and deferrals—could sway the superstar’s next move.Ryan Finkelstein dissects the impact of Tucker’s decision on the Mets’ offseason strategy, the ripple effects for fans if a deal falls through, and the likely pivot to trade for Lars...

New York Mets eye a bold transformation as David Stearns signals major moves could still be coming.  Will a blockbuster Kyle Tucker signing reshape the roster and answer frustrated fans, or will the Mets pivot to aggressive trades for stars like Freddy Peralta or Jarren Duran?  The vision for a more defensively solid and sustainable contender takes center stage, as recent departures of Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Diaz spark debate over the franchise's direction.Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Mets’ evolving strategy, highlighting Stearns’ conviction in building around elite talent, prospect depth...

New York Mets push for Kyle Tucker with a blockbuster three-year, $120–140 million deal. Could this short-term, high-AAV offer give the Mets an edge over rivals like the Dodgers and Blue Jays—and entice Tucker to opt out for an even bigger payday next year?Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Mets’ aggressive strategy, exploring contract structures, opt-outs, and the impact of deferrals on luxury tax.  The episode highlights the dynamic between Juan Soto’s megadeal and the front office’s approach to superstar acquisitions. Key topics include Tucker’s potential fit alongside Soto and Francisco Lindor, the ripple ef...

Can Luisangel Acuña or Ronny Mauricio seize a lasting role with the New York Mets, or will the team’s infield logjam force a major move?  Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the evolving futures of these former top prospects, spotlighting their 2025 performances, Winter League results, and defensive versatility as the 2026 MLB season approaches.Key topics include Mauricio’s power ceiling and standout defense at third base, Acuña’s high floor as a utility player with blazing speed, and the Mets’ pivotal decision to preserve Mauricio’s minor league option.  The conversation explores possible cente...

New York Mets eye game-changing move with Kyle Tucker pursuit—could a trio of Tucker, Juan Soto, and Francisco Lindor become baseball’s best?  Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Mets’ aggressive push to sign free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, analyzing the blockbuster contract structure, competition from the Dodgers and Blue Jays, and how Tucker’s partnership with Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor might transform the lineup’s power and on-base prowess.  Can this revamped offense rival the Dodgers’ star-studded lineup?  Will the Mets’ front office finally deliver the signature move fans crave, or is heartache loom...

Yankees reportedly drop out of the Cody Bellinger sweepstakes, leaving Scott Boras scrambling to secure a blockbuster deal as rival suitors reconsider their options.  Can the New York Mets capitalize, or will Bellinger’s high price tag drive the market in a surprising direction?  Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs shake up MLB free agency by landing Alex Bregman on a five-year, $175 million contract, sparking a ripple effect among contenders seeking marquee talent.Ryan Finkelstein breaks down how the Cubs’ bold move affects Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and the shifting dynamics for the Red Sox, Yankee...

Detroit Tigers face a historic arbitration showdown with ace Tarik Skubal, as Scott Boras submits a record-breaking $32 million salary request—over $13 million higher than the team’s offer.  Could this explosive contract dispute trigger a blockbuster trade?  Mets fans have reason to watch closely, as Ryan Finkelstein explores how a dissatisfied Skubal might shake up the MLB market and whether New York has the prospect capital to lure the reigning, two-time Cy Young winner.Ryan Finkelstein analyzes the Tigers’ precarious payroll situation, comparing Skubal's value to elite arms like Freddy Peralta and weighing trade pa...

New York Mets weigh blockbuster Freddy Peralta trade as starting pitching market explodes.  Are top prospects like Brandon Sproat and Jacob Reimer worth dealing for a potential ace, or should the Mets turn to free agency for arms like Framber Valdez?Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the high stakes behind Edward Cabrera’s trade to the Cubs and what it signals for the cost of acquiring controllable starters.  The analysis covers top trade options linked to the Mets—Freddy Peralta, Mackenzie Gore, Brady Singer, Kris Bubic—and the dilemma of sacrificing top 100 prospects to stay com...

Can the New York Mets contend in 2026 without a single blockbuster move?  Ryan Finkelstein lays out a bold strategy to build a competitive Mets roster by combining mid-tier additions, savvy trades, and internal development—without signing stars like Cody Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, or Framber Valdez.  The show spotlights targeted moves such as adding Chris Bassitt and Pierce Johnson to stabilize the pitching staff, while exploring affordable outfield platoons featuring Lars Nootbaar and Austin Hays.Key topics include the Mets’ projected $35 million budget for puzzle-piece additions, the importance of raising the rotation and bullpen floor...

The New York Mets could leap into the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes as the Toronto Blue Jays pivot away after adding Kazuma Okamoto.  With the Yankees eyeing Cody Bellinger and the Giants hesitant to add to their payroll, the Mets might find themselves in a bidding war with the Dodgers for the star outfielder.  Could Kyle Tucker be the transformative bat in Queens, or will Los Angeles offer a more enticing short-term deal for his prime seasons?Ryan Finkelstein breaks down contract scenarios, tackles Tucker’s potential fit in a lineup alongside Juan Soto and...

New York Mets fans face crucial offseason questions as reunions with former players hang in the balance.  Can a return for Chris Bassitt or Jose Quintana stabilize the Mets’ uncertain starting rotation?Ryan Finkelstein explores whether tying the future to familiar faces like Starling Marte or Harrison Bader makes sense—and which familiar bat or arm could provide veteran leadership or defensive upgrades.With the roster in flux and prospects vying for opportunities, roster construction becomes a chess match.  Will veteran reunions boost the Mets’ playoff chances, or should the team prioriti...

The Houston Astros look to shed salary after signing Tatsuya Imai, creating a potential blockbuster trade scenario with the New York Mets.  Could Christian Walker and elite reliever Bryan Abreu be heading to Queens as the Astros seek to get below the luxury tax threshold?  Ryan Finkelstein examines how these moves may reshape both teams’ lineups and bullpen strength.Key topics include Houston’s roster juggle between Isak Paredes and Walker, the Mets’ options at first base with Jorge Polanco and Mark Vientos, and why acquiring Walker and Abreu could be a game-changer.  Host...

New York Mets face a pivotal offseason as their rotation remains untouched—will waiting pay off, or is disaster looming?  The team’s reluctance to pursue top starters like Tatsuya Imai, Framber Valdez, and Ranger Suarez raises key questions for 2026.  With Kodai Senga, David Peterson, and rookie Nolan McLean headlining the depth chart, uncertainty surrounds the Mets’ ability to compete with division rivals like the Braves and Phillies.Ryan Finkelstein dissects the club’s strategy, exploring the pros and cons of standing pat versus making a blockbuster trade for names such as Freddy Peralta.  ...

Tatsuya Imai’s MLB future hangs in the balance as the New York Mets weigh whether to make a franchise-shifting move before his posting window closes.  Could Imai’s electric arsenal and rising fastball give the Mets the frontline starter they need, or will front office hesitation see him go elsewhere?  Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down Imai’s standout 2025 NPB numbers, analyzes how his arm slot changes and unique pitch mix might translate to MLB, and explores the contract and posting fee hurdles that have cooled big-market demand.Key questions swirl around the Mets’ ro...

Cody Bellinger emerges as the ideal fit for the New York Mets' outfield overhaul, but can Steve Cohen and David Stearns justify a major long-term investment after moving on from Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso?  With Bellinger’s defensive versatility, youthful athleticism, and ability to fill multiple roles, the Mets face a crucial decision—especially as free agency stalls and alternatives like Kyle Tucker, Harrison Bader, and trade targets Jarren Duran and Luis Robert bring their own risks and costs.Ryan Finkelstein compares Bellinger and Nimmo’s production using advanced stats like wRC+ and WAR, analyze...

New York Mets face a pivotal decision at first base as Mark Vientos sits at the crossroads of promise and uncertainty.  Is Vientos’ 40-homer potential the answer to replacing Pete Alonso’s power, or will the Mets regret not seeking alternatives like Eugenio Suarez?  Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down Vientos’ rollercoaster career, the challenges of his roster fit, and why his raw power may give the Mets their biggest offensive edge in 2026.From weighing DH options and payroll strategy to analyzing Yandy Diaz trade scenarios, Finkelstein examines how the Mets’ front office can maximize v...

New York Mets overhaul their lineup, but will these bold moves spark real improvement—or leave the team searching for answers?  With Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil out and Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, and Carson Benge in, Ryan Finkelstein unpacks what the dramatic roster shakeup means for run production and outfield defense.  Can the Mets’ new core, featuring top prospects and free agent targets like Cody Bellinger, fill the massive void left by established stars?Ryan Finkelstein assesses the bullpen’s makeover with Devin Williams replacing Edwin Diaz, and explores rotation options...