Cameron hit 25 home runs only two years ago. Last year, Mcdonald was more than serviceable as a 4th/5th OF. Other teams were high on Linares, and were asking about him, believing him to be major league depth, before he got injured. Kalish was going to be a midseason callup... you know, for when Crawford got hurt in June. Navarro was being prepared for the OF before getting injured. Add Reddick, and there are 6 other potential backup outfielders, 9 options in the OF.
He built a lot of depth. The thing about building depth is you don't sign a bunch of major league caliber players for depth. You sign a bunch of guy with major league potential, and hope one of them works out. It is the same exact situation with the bullpen-- Albers and Miller worked out. Atchison did not, and Doubront/Hill ended upon the DL.