Yeah it all depends on internal projections.
Kikuchi as a replacement level projection is worth negative 20M
Stroman is owed $50M so I guess even if you project him to be worth $30M over two years (3-4 WAR total), him and Kooch are a wash; equal value.
Actually looking at the salaries now I just can't see it happening.
I forgot Kikuchi was front loaded.
I guess you can still argue for it though if you:
- assume Kikuchi is dead and replacement level or worse
- think adding $15M AAV in payroll is worth going from Kikuchi to Stroman
But nah never happening haha.
I think if the Jays are spending an extra $15M they are targeting a one year free agent or maybe an RP + SP5 in free agency.