The Cubs continued to bulk up. Michael Cuddyer retired. Add it up and the Mets were provided reason and resources to respond with a big strike.
Yet, that is not their intention.
Unless Yoenis Cespedes’ contract demands fall precipitously (extremely doubtful), the Mets have no intention of signing him or making any long-term commitments in this free-agent class. Yes, they save most or all of the $12.5 million they would have paid Cuddyer. But that is just a one-year savings.
The Mets’ needs heading into this offseason were at shortstop and center field, and they did not see a long-term solution in either place in free agency.