That's why I think the turnaround can be quick, and permanent. Imagine a core of, say:
Stroman
Sanchez
Guerrero
Bichette
Gurriel
Robles (Osuna)
Reyes (Donaldson)
Kelly (Donaldson)
Franklin Perez (Happ)
+ whatever guys like Smith, Smoak, Estrada, and Bautista bring back. Don't really care to debate the hypothetical returns, but there's an opportunity for a huge influx of talent, which could be supplemented with like $100M in payroll flexibility. At this point I'd prefer to cash in those chips than run the washed up geezers out there again in 2018 and pray for 87 wins.