They replaced Hoffman with Romano who has more career saves than him or Estevez. They had a first-half winning percentage (without Estevez and with Seranthony, Alvardo and Soso all disappointing) of .646. .500 in the second half. It wasn't the bullpen.
Not even in the playoffs, though if you want to go there aren't they better without the guy who was the worst pitcher as well as the guy who was okay but still lost the clincher? The path is the same as it ever was - develop the next Alvarado, Hoffman, or Kerkering. They may not have an internal prospect as good as the latter but they do have options, and anything goes with the free agents, even if the ceiling is just Ruiz. (Plus, speaking of options, you have to save one spot for someone who has them, and the 8th one for Walker if he's not starting or traded.)
I don't think Passan is flipping his stance, just taking the team's more recent public comments at face value where Rosenthal isn't. The fact that they have wanted to trade him and would still be listening is irrefutable. I mean, they should still be listening on almost anyone but Marsh and Stott are far less likely to go (and would cost even more). Rojas still might but only for a serious everyday CF, of which there are fewer.
