I agree generally.
But then also Craig Kimbrel brought back Nick Madrigal, already in the majors though injured at the time.
Just kinda depends what different buying teams are willing to do.
I remember how critical Chicago media was from the Cubs perspective. The key reason that Kimbrel fetched a controllable major leaguer in Madrigal was that he was pitching lights out and he himself was
controllable for another season. I loved the move for my Sox at the time, but in hindsight, it completely blew up in the Sox face. However, this is a move you have to make when you are in win now mode. I guess the rule of not putting a traditional closer in a non-closer role held true in this case, and the Sox are regretting not having Madrigal now.
The key is the controllable asset part. For the Cubs (if selling or buying) to get back another major league ready player for 2024 and beyond, I think they would need to give up someone who is more controllable, which at this part of the rebuild, I do not think they will want to do. Again, just my thoughts on an evolving situation.
The Cubs are in a very tricky position. I think you guys are a year ahead of expected in the rebuild, and it would be silly to do anything drastic to hurt 2024 (where they can easily contend in NL Central) to chase a lower probability of making playoffs in 2023. I will say that I was completely wrong about Bellinger -- I never expected him to have such a comeback season. The fact that this is a major discussion is testaments to the scouting of the Cubs management system, something I wish the Sox would get better at (maybe when Sox finally have a new owner).