I understand that. I realize that it is highly, highly unlikely to field and entire team with farm players. Making trades and signing free agents are both necessary.
That said, big trades come from having the farm system to make the trades. That's not the same as handing out a huge contract. And Sale is a cost controlled player, unlike Stanton is.
And as far as signing free agents, I'm looking for the Beltre, Napoli, and Moreland type deals to fill the gaps, not the superstars.