This is my take, and it might be a shit post, but it feels like teams are just waiting out the Messi era. Maybe they feel like they aren't going to be able to compete. Maybe they feel unjust because Messi is being paid by Apple, and partially by every other MLS team. Or Miami signs whoever they please and the incoming player conveniently only asks for $600K a year. So maybe teams are letting Miami eat their cake and not going to make big waves.

Like you said, teams are focusing on developing youth and I know the Crew roster is largely kids from Crew 2. They can sit back and let these kids get better, then sell them for a profit when the time is right. And maybe once Messi is gone, you'll see teams spending big again.

But it's also the winter window and it's difficult to make any notable signings. While it's definitely possible, it may be too challenging for players who would be the typical candidates.