I don't find it that puzzling. In fact it's based on a lot of the same speculative logic that was already being discussed quite bit here pre-Moreland, and which (at least in my case) hasn't really changed any just because that was the call DD went on to make. But if you want a refresher we can start with the fact that any either/or decision there isn't being made in vacuum. Followed by the surrounding LT situation a potential JDM signing leaves us looking at. Which even at a conservative $25m/per leaves total estimated payroll coming in right at or slightly over a 2nd tier hit btw, depending on what Betts gets, for those that stopped keeping count.
But in an attempt to not completely rehash everything, what it really boils down to is this. For as much flack as Hanley has (deservedly) gotten, which really only reached universal/obvious release status when people started scrambling for potential scenarios where they end up liking that Moreland signing, he's still ultimately just as much of a hopeful/needed upside play towards 2018 as Jackie Bradley is atm. Arguably even more so imo, given gun to my head and in fairly desperate need for some of our other guys to step it up offensively (regardless if we add another bat) I'd personally be taking a healthy Hanley to outhit/outslug a healthy Bradley next year.
- Scenario One you cut bait completely on a guy you still have $22m tied into, which we realistically get absolutely nothing back on, and then run the risk that for a second year in a row you watch him give somebody else exactly what your own team is left needing the most.
- Scenario Two you cut bait on one of the pieces in a surrounding payroll puzzle that has already become fairly bloated, get a healthy return in talent back that you wouldn't be getting in Scenario One, plus have the risk factor balanced out some by opening the door to a possibility that we compete this year *and* avoid a 2nd tier LT hit in the process.
If we do add another bat, which keep in mind I'm currently guessing isn't going to end up being the case, I see it playing out to be Scenario 2.