Youre right that they dont have to act like New York or LA and just keep everyone and hope.... but they also dont need to act like the Rays and trade everyone before they get to arb 2 regardless of how good they are. Its just that of all the scenarios that could have played out, many of which are extremely positive, the scenario currently playing out is like the 3rd worst one imaginable.
And contending doesn't necessarily mean contending for best team in baseball. I don't think they had any delusions of being a team in that conversation, but a top 10 team? That's a contending team, regardless of how they get into the playoffs. And to think they could be a top 10 team in 2024 isnt a stretch when you see they were a top 9 team in 2023 that had several offensive players massively underperform.
So, a team that isnt the Rays and doesnt have to be, is never going to trade Bo with 2 years left on his deal.