Hockey and basketball aren't played in the summer, so even if the Jays fade into the background for a few years it wouldn't be that hard to regain momentum if they win. It really is that simple. If they win.
I'd rather see a rebuild than be the AL East version of the Detroit Tigers. I don't think ownership or this FO are interested in giving 200M to Donaldson taking him into his late 30's. They can't let him walk, so the only alternative left is to trade him. If the team is still out of contention come July I think the writing will be on the wall, and selling off the pieces they can will make the most sense for the future.