Beane may be playing 4D chess for the foreseeable future, trying to hold onto talent. Have some big contracts to work around.
I have no idea how far his roster planning extends into the future, but:
In 2024, as things now stand, we’ll have Diggs, Shakir, Stevenson and Pau’u under contract, which is to say, Diggs and Shakir.
I think he’ll be forced ($$) to be pretty restrictive on picking up free agents and will try to use other means of rounding out the roster.
Davis may be spectacular - or at least out of our restricted $$ range for keeping, with the same for Mackenzie.
Hodgins however, will be an ERFA and will be able to be resigned for peanuts - a 1 year contract at league minimum.
This may a small + that nudges him over the top.
Yes, a spitball.