Or, they could just go with what they have. Start the season with Gray, Dunning, Hearn, Otto, and Alexy. Allard could start again as well. When it gets time to shutdown 2 or 3 guys then you bring up guys like Arihara, Latz,, King, Rodriguez, Henriquez, Burke and others. Maybe even Cole Winn will prove ready. It isn't as flashy as trading prospects for 2 year rentals, but it gets the job done.
There is also likely to be a few pitchers on the FA market below the level of Kershaw and Arrietta who could be signed.
Trades make for better discussion topics, but they are not necessary.
Now, if they are actually in win-now mode then a lot of trades would be necessary, not just for a starting pitcher or two. If that is the case the more important discussion would be, "why are they in win-now mode?"
Or, they could just go with what they have. Start the season with Gray, Dunning, Hearn, Otto, and Alexy. Allard could start again as well. When it gets time to shutdown 2 or 3 guys then you bring up guys like Arihara, Latz,, King, Rodriguez, Henriquez, Burke and others. Maybe even Cole Winn will prove ready. It isn't as flashy as trading prospects for 2 year rentals, but it gets the job done.
There is also likely to be a few pitchers on the FA market below the level of Kershaw and Arrietta who could be signed.
Trades make for better discussion topics, but they are not necessary.
Now, if they are actually in win-now mode then a lot of trades would be necessary, not just for a starting pitcher or two. If that is the case the more important discussion would be, "why are they in win-now mode?"