Mets Will Pass On Abreu

Bidding on Cuba defector Jose Abreu is expected to be for a $70 million deal, sources say. White Sox,Astros, Rangers viewed as frontrunners.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 16, 2013

Aaaand that should be about all you need to know when it comes to a potential pursuit by the New York Mets for the Cuban first baseman's services.  As a wrote HERE a week ago, the Mets have two in-house options who have the potential to give you 20-25 home runs in Ike Davis or Lucas Duda.  While neither is likely the longer term answer at the position, the team has bigger needs in other areas.  There is simply no reason to allocate that type of money when other positions on the diamond are in much more dire straits.

The money being discussed for Abreu has actually gone up in the past week.  Likely due to the inclusion of additional teams like the White Sox and Astros.  However, Abreu is a one way player, offering a good but not elite bat.  He would be a liability at first and is ultimately headed to the American league where he can serve as a designated hitter sooner than later.