I guess the question is: can Julien’s defense be improved, probably in the offseason and Spring training next year, to make him an adequate defender at any position? A ton of reps and individualized coaching? A lot of players who started badly improved over time.
Perhaps a helpful compromise: it’s the job of AAA affiliates to prepare MLB players to win. Sometimes winning at AAA can carry over; in fact, one might hope that it does.
I’m not that concerned about the ALC. But looking at the likely AL playoff teams, there wasn’t enough trades to be made now to catch up to them.
Best to look for maybe breaking the playoff losing streak and prepare for 2024.
But, you can make trades and get the likes of Sam Dyson, or even Matt Capps. Which might be okay, if the cost is manageable. Either way, it’s a roll of the dice, and a natural 1 is as probable as a natural 20.
I’m of this mindset as well. The players returning from the IL are likely better than what would come in any lower cost trade. I’m pretty okay standing pat.