Not really. They want to play as many games as possible in front of fans. If they believe that extra month will allow them to play another 30 games per team with people in the stands, then it makes complete sense. I don't think this has anything to do with issues regarding the players, who will all almost certainly be vaccinated by then.
I think the last line Ehjays posted explains that perfectly. They lose leverage in the CBA negotiations next year. Somewhere along the line, both sides have become more consumed with their positions than with the game.
They're basically rebuilding. Story is a FA after the season, Blackmon can opt out after the season, Arenado can opt out after the season. It makes sense. There's a pretty good chance those guys do opt out. The return and the 50M is the big question.
I like Teoscar's bat, but the man should not see the outfield grass. He continually misplays balls, throws to the wrong bases, etc. IMO we should be cashing in on his season last year. Someone should be willing to give us a comparable talent SP for him.
We'll probably need the extra starters anyway. I think it's highly likely there will be a bunch of postponed games or even series early in the season, and that means a lot of double headers late. This is a good year to have depth imo.
He's a perfectly good #4 or #5 starter with the upside to be more. I like it. Hopefully we'll see that 37.8% home run rate drop down to where it should be.
He's a free agent after the season, so I can't see it being too painful. It'll probably be one or two guys on the 40 man plus someone else. Fisher and SRF perhaps.
I have a feeling we probably had the highest offer too (dunno after any tax difference), but he really wanted to remain in Houston. He probably told them he was going to sign with us unless they came close, and they did. It would explain at least some people in the front office clearly believing they had signed him.