Often minimized from the holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is that the title character ultimately redeems himself and there is happiness in Whoville. 

In the Mets’ universe, David Stearns is playing the role of Grinch this winter, but it’s fair to wonder if there will be such a joyous ending. 

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The team’s president of baseball operations has removed the heart from this roster and brought sadness and anger to a significant chunk of the fan base that was tethered to the club’s core. 

Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz left through free agency. Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil were traded. And there wasn’t anything close to a cool toy waiting under the holiday tree.