The Mets, as expected, did not offer salary arbitration to any of their free agents, including Carlos Delgado and Fernando Tatis, at yesterday’s deadline.
In the cases of Delgado and Tatis, both Tupe B free agents, failing to offer arbitration means the Mets will not receive draft-pick compensation if either signs with another team.
The Mets, however, remain interested in bringing back Delgado as a one-year bridge to top prospect Ike Davis at first base if Delgado can show general manager Omar Minaya that he is healthy again when Minaya goes to Puerto Rico this month to watch him play winter ball.
Tatis, a favorite of Jerry Manuel, also has a chance to return. The Mets’ other free agents are Gary Sheffield, relievers J.J. Putz and Elmer Dessens and infielder Ramon Martinez. Dessens is the only member of that group expected to be back.
The Mets already re-signed another eligible free agent, infielder Alex Cora, while catcher Brian Schneider signed a two-year, $2.75 million deal yesterday with the rival Phillies.
The Mets remain in talks with former Phillies catcher/first baseman Chris Coste on a one-year split contract that would allow him to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, but a team source said that deal is not complete.
The Mets also are in talks with former Reds GM Wayne Krivsky about returning to the club in an advisory role to Minaya after a one-year absence that Krivsky spent with the Orioles. But a club source said that, too, is not yet complete.
bhubbuch@nypost.com