Mets' 3 Biggest Missed Opportunities of the Offseason

Spring training will be starting in a matter of days, which means that the baseball offseason is nearing its end. The New York Mets made a few moves to improve the team, with the most notable signing occurring in November with Michael Cuddyer becoming a new member of the outfield.

Despite the Opening Day roster being nearly set, the Mets could have made a few more moves to make the team even better. Here are the Mets' three biggest missed opportunities from this offseason.

3. The Mets Failed to Sign a Veteran Left-Handed Reliever

John Minchillo/Associated Press

The Mets' current bullpen includes quite a few young and talented arms. Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia, Vic Black and Josh Edgin are all 28 or younger. They complement the two veteran right-handers, Bobby Parnell and Carlos Torres.

But the Mets are missing a second left-handed reliever, and it would be ideal for that left-handed reliever to be an experienced veteran to offset the youth. The options weren't too vast, but the Mets nonetheless did not sign a veteran left-handed reliever at a time when they could certainly use one.

2. The Mets Still Have a Crowded Pitching Staff

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

With the Mets rotation this season already including Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Jon Niese and Bartolo Colon, it seems like Dillon Gee would be a logical trade candidate.

However, the Mets have yet to successfully trade Gee, who has been linked to the Colorado Rockies in particular in trade talks. The Mets should not run a six-man rotation to accommodate Gee, and it doesn't seem like Gee would be looked at as a bullpen piece, either, despite making three relief appearances in 2011.

It would be wise for the Mets to move Gee and get someone useful for him instead of letting him sit on the bench as extra pitching depth.

1. The Mets Did Not Trade for a Shortstop Upgrade

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

The biggest concern for the Mets right now is at shortstop. Incumbent shortstop Wilmer Flores is a decent option generally speaking, but the Mets could have done a bit better.

The Mets made no real effort toward going after Hanley Ramirez, who ended up signing with the Boston Red Sox. They also let Asdrubal Cabrera sign with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the trade market, Didi Gregorius got dealt to the crosstown New York Yankees, while Yunel Escobar got traded to the rival Washington Nationals.

And then there was Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies. The Mets and Rockies had talked about a potential trade, but nothing ended up happening, according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post. The Rockies, to be fair, did ask for a ton in exchange for the All-Star shortstop, but nonetheless, the Mets did not pull the trigger on what could have been a blockbuster trade.

Thus, the Mets will have to stick with Flores and hope that he can have a breakout season in what will be his second full year in the major leagues. Flores has the potential, but whether that potential can turn into more run production this season is yet to be determined.

All statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.