I don't disagree, and Bloom did leave about $4.5M on the under tax line budget for just such an addition, but don't be surprised, if he remains stingy at the deadline. He's not going to give up any really good prospect(s) for a 2 month rental.
I think the 2021 plan was to build for 2022 and beyond while trying at put an exciting team on the field that would build fan interest. Winning more than expected puts a lot of pressure on Bloom to "do something," but I'm not expecting us to add a real stud pitcher, even if we are right in the thick of a playoff race.
It would be easier for Bloom, if we were 10 down at the deadline. Being sellers might greatly improve our longer term outlook, especially if we have a solid draft, this year.
I think the plan was, that if we look like we can make a strong playoff push, adding Sale, mid summer, would be "that guy." Moving a current starter to the pen to make room for Sale would, in theory, bolster the pen, too, and maybe the $4.5M could be spent on lesser additions that won't cost us anything very promising from the farm- they'd be more like salary dumps.
I could be wrong. They may decide to go over the tax line, if they really think we have a legitimate chance. A lot is going to happen between now and the deadline, including a brutal 2 month stretch from May 31st to August 1st, where we play no patsies and 2 or more series vs the very best in the AL. If we can hold our own in those two months, maybe- just maybe...
5/31 to 8/1
14 NYY
11 TOR
7 HOU
7 KCR (best record in MLB)
6 TB (all away)
3 @ OAK
3 @ LAA
3 PHI
2 @ ATL