New York Mets play a high-stakes waiting game with Pete Alonso's free agency, betting on a slow-developing market to land their star slugger on a team-friendly deal.  With the Red Sox and Phillies lurking and few viable alternatives available via free agency or trade, the Mets face a crucial test: Can patience secure Alonso, or will hesitation cost them their power hitter?Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the front office’s strategy, the ripple effects of the Kyle Schwarber sweepstakes, and contract options, including escalators and deferrals to keep Alonso in Queens.  Key topics include the risk of losing Alonso at the last minute, challenges of replacing his offensive production, and how the Mets could pivot in the bullpen without Edwin Díaz.  Will the Mets’ cautious approach pay off, or are they on the verge of a costly miscalculation heading into the new season? JOIN THE LOCKED ON METS INSIDER COMMUNITY: https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonmets  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.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.