The correct answer is "they got in to contention because the kick ass AA showed up again and made some shrewd mid season moves. The team went from just under .500 at the all star beak to within 1 game of the second wild card thanks to addressing two problems that became apparent in the first half. The moves did not mortgage the future. Beeston has a mild stroke in September and won't be back next year. In a weak moment he admits that the Mets would have settled for Anthony Gose in the Dickey trade rather than Syndergaard, but he blocked AA from making the deal and insisted Syndergaard be dealt instead. Also, AA signs both first round draft picks and rest of league marvels at how he stole them. Attendance is at an all time high. Jays extend Lawrie and Rasmus to financially prudent extensions"
So, of course we want to win the game AND keep AA
There. F'n simple.