Spending money is constantly the issue with you. Nobody is saying they should go after compensation free agents, but that is more because we don't need them. If Juan Soto really wanted to play here I would certainly shuffle the decks for him, but I don't really expect that.
I am totally willing to trade second tier prospects and spend up to $280 million to win. That would probably involve trades too because teams win with 27-year-olds and not 31-year-olds. Getting that 27 year old who might be getting expensive for a smaller market will cost some prospects. That is better than standing pat though. We all hated the Curtis Mead deal, but it is actually looking like a spectacular win for us now. Not sure what I'd give up for a Crochet, but if there is a creative deal I'd certainly look at it (and yes that might mean a better prospect like Crawford or Caba in a deal).
The urgency of winning now increases by the year. The core is relatively healthy but will be a year older. "Been there, done that" has worked pretty well so far and for me the future is now.
