Why it can feel like the Mets are surrendering before the season even starts

The Mets, as Max Scherzer suggested after being dealt last summer, are punting.

It was evident through an underwhelming offseason and it has become clear by their inactivity so far in the wake of the Kodai Senga injury.

This season is not about winning. It is about new decision-maker David Stearns assessing the state of the franchise, its young players and prospects.

You can imagine the offense being solid, that Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte will bounce back after down years, that Francisco Alvarez will take a step forward and the trio of Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo will excel.