Mets Morning News: Mets still in waiting mode as new CBA looms

Meet the Mets

The Mets remain stuck in limbo as the new MLB collective bargaining agreement is hammered out. There is likely to be no movement with Yoenis Cespedes until the CBA is finalized.

One potential rival to sign Cespedes appears to be out of the running, as the Dodgers may no longer have the flexibility to add him.

Former Met Michael Cuddyer has been hired as a special assistant by the Minnesota Twins.

Around the NL East

The Braves and Mariners pulled off a prospects for prospects trade. Former Mets minor leaguer Rob Whalen, who was traded to the Braves as part of the Juan Uribe/Kelly Johnson trade in 2015, was part of the package shipped to the Mariners in the deal.

The Marlins signed Edinson Volquez to a two-year deal.

The Phillies have shown interest in the Twins’ Brian Dozier.

Around MLB

The Yankees released a trio of players, the big name among them being Nathan Eovaldi.

The Brewers non-tendered Chris Carter, who hit 41 home runs for them last season.

Japanese two-way-threat Shohei Otani, who seems certain to make it to MLB some day, won the Pacific League MVP in Japan after going 10-4 as a pitcher, and batting .322 with 22 home runs as a DH.

Grant Bisbee says there’s no rational argument for a lockout.

Yesterday at AA

Aaron Yorke looked back at Yoenis Cespedes’ 2016 season.

Matt Varvaro delivered another Monday Morning Mets Mind Boggler and also found time to review Hansel Robles’ season.

This Date in Mets History

Today is Howard Johnson’s birthday! Happy 56th birthday Hojo!