My counter argument is that about 50% of FA signings just don't work out, even the expensive ones. No matter what, it's a bit of a gamble. However, the cheaper signings are low risk/low reward.
Criswell's 99 innings need to be replaced and Pivetta's 145. I think it can be done. If anyone is out, Kutter can pick up the slack.
Defense is the same for now. Bregman is not going to HOU. Maybe his price drops and he signs here?
The Dodgers rotation is Glasnow, Yamamoto, Snell, Stone, Gonsolin, Miller, May (LOL), Ohtani (???).
I think they signed Snell to replace Buehler's spot.
Lots of ifs the past few years. Maybe they can shore it up the pen over the remainder of the winter? On paper, this rotation is much better than last seasons and the 2024 version was solid per fWAR.
Or start to celebrate the things that are going right now?
Abreu had a strong season and won a GG.
Houck pitched like a STUD.
Duran was a monster all year.
Devers struggled with an injury and still had one of his best seasons.
Justin Slaten looks like a guy they can count on.
They traded for a guy that could be a bonafide ACE.
This team is in a much different spot than they have been previously. Are they ready to take that next step? We don't know, I feel more confident in this team than in any of the previous 3 versions.
I don't think the Buehler signing is sweetening anyone's Flavor Aid. The real sweetener was Crochet. People are mad that they traded for him rather than signed him. That argument doesn't hold much weight to me.
I'm not believing that this is a playoff team, but at least the rotation looks interesting. I've said all along that this had the chance to be another wait til next season year as they put the kids into the rotation. I think there will be growing pains, but at least Breslow seems to be willing to make some larger pitching moves than what we saw out of Bloom.
How was Buehler supposed to be good when he was out with TJS? His '22 season is basically a Pivetta season prior to the injury (12 GS, 4.02 ERA, 101 ERA+).
If your only complaint is "he didn't come back strong enough in 2024, I'm not sure what to tell you. The Dodgers thought it was going to take 24 months for him to get back to 100%. He had his surgery in August 2022. His regular season showed that he wasn't 100%. Will he be there? IDK. On a one year flier, it's a not a horrible bet IMO. I was worried they'd go multiple years with him.