Imagine for a moment you’re Jake Cave.
You’re drafted by the Yankees but before you even try on a major league uniform you’re already traded to the Twins. You perform well for a few years but then your numbers start to dip. You’re sent to Triple-A for most of the ‘21-’22 season. You get bounced to the Orioles, and finally are claimed off waivers by the Phillies in December ‘22.
In Spring Training you hustle and show that even at 30 years old you can still contribute. Your hard work pays off and you wind up with a spot on the roster.