They did spend more, I figured 220 but they got to 240s, and Bregman 30 over Tucker 16.5 and Imanaga getting 22 over 16 was a big reason for the increase.
Yes the bullpen is pretty much new with the 4 new additions and they have 2 new bench guys.
Of the regulars and SP, theres only 2 new additions to the team and that Bregman and Cabrera, so no IMO that much of a change to the core group of regulars.
The surprise was the spending on Bregman. I did not expect that, I thought money was going to be spent more on SP and was hoping for 2 new SP, but after Imanaga returned, I expected one and they got Cabrera.
So they did add money wise 26.5 in SP with Imanaga return and Cabrera trade.
But to fully answer your question, outside of Bregman signing, there wasn't any real big surprise additions added to the roster, so yea the payroll a surprise too but mainly because of Bregman money and Imanaga raise, but the other additions to the roster was basically what I expected from them.
Low cost guys for the bench and pen, and another SP added.
Now dont get me wrong, I do like their full roster and not upset over it, I expect 90 wins again if everyone can stay healthy.
Im mostly intrigued by what the SP can look like in the second half with Steele Cabrera Horton Imanaga and Maybe Wiggins added in there.
Bats avoid prolonged slumps and bullpen stays consistent on the good side, this could be a solid team all year and going into the postseason