But I don’t think “look like a slam dunk on paper to win the World Series in July” is a reasonable expectation. Not any year, really, but particularly in a year where the Dodgers are built the way they are.
If they’re 8 games out of a playoff spot, sure, see what you can get I guess. I’d still prefer to keep him all year regardless. But they look like one of the better teams in the NL. The playoffs are unpredictable. Add some arms at the deadline and see what happens.
and honestly? If we get to the playoffs and have series as memorable as the Cardinals in 2015 or nationals in 2017 but ultimately fall short of winning it all, that’s still worth it to me.