Makakilo: B. Mike Hazen thought several steps ahead, easier said than done. Although he had intended to contend this season, he had the flexibility to not “...go chasing something that isn’t there.” He reached the emotionally hard realization that the team will not contend this season, and therefore started a mini-rebuild early. His trades accomplished multiple objectives: He obtained value for players who would soon be free agents. He increased his payroll flexibility. He reduced the loss of players after the 2021 season to a more manageable level.
His grade was reduced from A to B because of an uncertain return for Starling Marte.