Wpa is literally RBI, only fancy. It is exactly what you argue for all the time. I'm really baffled by this statement.
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/i-think-win-probability-added-is-a-neat-statistic/
I mean, Varland is on the roster if you let Gray go.... So I'm not sure what that has to do with Maeda? Unless you think they are bringing in another starter
If he's a number 2 ,it's a pittance. If he's a 3, it's likely under what he'd get in FA.....the issue is if he's more of a 4 or if he's hurt. But I'd take that chance on a 1 year deal.
He and Varland should be moved to the bullpen. Varland now, so he can get used to it (it won't hurt him as a starter next year) and Ober as the last week apporoaches. They are both better than most of the current bullpen. NOT doing this would be another nail in the coffin of this FO for me. There is no reason not to put Varland there right now.
All I have to add is that they better make the bullpen better next year (I've been calling for their heads most of this year, and the bullpen is just one reason).
If I'm him, I try one more year....but if next year is like this, I work out a retirement deal with the team.....because I want to walk. That said, I'm not a hyper competitive professional athlete.
There is questioning their belief he can't play CF but can the field.....and there is questioning should he be playing at all. Two very different questions.
I would sit him until next year, but I'm clearly not the FO or in agreement with them on many decisions.