Well it's obviously not a binary, don't trade any prospects v empty the farm system decision. I'm just saying it goes both ways. We are in a window where we are very much trying to win games and compete in the playoffs, and there's a pretty low likelihood that consistent PAs are available at least 4 positions (CF, 3B, SS, 2B), probably 5 unless Busch takes another step back.
Yes, we'll eventually need to fill those positions, but 2027 wins are more important than 2030 wins, and the nature of the draft and IFA and everything else means that the prospect pool will get constant reinforcements. Pretty much every prospect we're talking about right now, from recent draft picks like Sorrel and Bailey to higher level guys like Ramirez, Ayers, Hartshorn....was anyone really talking about them a year ago? Which isn't an indictment on their value, it's more a statement that guys will pop up every year.
I'm fine with the arguments that there are plenty of ABs to go around. But the point of trading v free agency is that trading lowers the cost because you're giving up a thing that has value. You shouldn't be trading valuable prospects for 30+ pitchers with one year left besides in a doomsday deadline situation we just had. If those are your options, then yes, go to free agency. But is there not a pitching equivalent to Pedro Ramirez out there? We suck at pitching as an organization, there has to be teams that suck at developing offense.