...Regarding payroll flexibility, keep in mind that in 2024, there is still a TON of money coming off the books: $23M for Heyward, $23M for Stroman, $20M for Contreras, and $10M for Happ. That's $76M dollars. And then looking ahead to 2025, the only major contracts on the books would be Top 4 SS, Suzuki, Nimmo, and Senga. ...
Stroman has a $21M deal for 2024. He may opt out, but I'd not assume so.
If he does, it will probably mean that he's had a healthy and productive 2023 season.