What the Royals have done this offseason will probably not be turned into a Bennett Miller film any time soon (although Brad Pitt would probably make a pretty good Dayton Moore if we’re being honest). It probably wouldn’t even be called smart. But at some point, we have to admit that trying to win in the short-term — even if it’s an analytical long-shot — is good for baseball overall, and probably good for individual teams in the long run.
Kansas City is the unenviable position where service time manipulation makes the most sense. Despite claims of otherwise from enthusiastic front office members, they probably aren’t going to make the playoffs in 2021.