It does seem like we have 3 glaring holes in our 26 man roster (maybe 4).
SP
SP/RP (depending on how Houck/Whitman will be used)
RP
Utility middle infielder
I think they new they'd cut these guys loose, eventually, and maybe did them a favor of doing it now. Plus, we may get selected players back, if the team returns them, later.
The thing that puzzles me, still, and I get that my evaluation of talent/skill level is not on par with Bloom & Co, is that I think several Rule 5 list players are better than Potts and maybe Rosario, Arauz and others.
Sure, these players are more likely to help in 2022, and maybe that's the deciding factor, but to me I feel those guys are easily replaced from the waiver wire with equal talent, should the need arise..