NO SPLASHES: Trying to BUILD a Competitive 2026 Mets Roster Without the Top Free Agents

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, and navigating potential platoon challenges in left field.  

Ryan Finkelstein examines whether breakout seasons from young players like Brett Baty and Mark Vientos can offset the lack of a splashy outfield bat, and weighs the risks of relying on internal options.  

Will a depth-driven approach be enough to keep the Mets in the playoff race?

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

JOIN THE LOCKED ON METS INSIDER COMMUNITY: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonmets 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern.FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.