The plan was "hey, I'm going to load up in the pen with some bulk guys and that should take care of the 4-5 innings guys in the rotation." Didn't work out.
Sale - injury risk
Paxton - injury risk, lack of use
Whitlock - injury risk
Kluber - older, previous injury, reduced velo
Houck/Crawford - 4 inning guys
Pivetta - 5th starter at best
The upside was there for a good rotation, but the downside was what we got to see in 2023. Reaping. Sowing. Yada yada yada.