The M's would have had a much easier time finding him ABs. I don't really see the problem with somewhat platooning Heredia/Gamel with an occasional Cruz vs Heredia RH side or Ohtani vs Gamel for the left hand side either. Yes I would have Dee one of the best defenders @ 2B take all of Cano's down times. Freeing up more OF openings. The L Vs R would have been much better with Otani
R Cruz, Haniger, Segura, Zunino, Healy, Heredia,
L Cano, Seager, Dee Gordon, Gamel, Otani,
I have profiled and seen others profile Otani as having similar FB and spinrates as the Yankees Diaper clad AceLuiz Severino.
The M's were about 8 WAR from competing with the Astros.
My plan(s) were to add 1 or 2 TORs prime targets were Ohtani and Darvish Darvish has been about what Paxton has been last 2 years 3.8 ranked from 15 to 20 according to roster resource both Paxton and Darvish. Otani projects to 5 WAT between DH and pitching. Otani and DArvish give you 3 Aces then you rattle off Felix, Leake, and 1 of the Erasmo - Kuma clan.
1B add the trade spared dollars for a Darvish run or my prime outfield target Lornezo Cain he is a 5 tool 5 WAR guy.
I like Dee Gordon he seems like a good bet to be a 3 WAR prime defender base threat and set up L-R-L throught the first 6 at least. Healy I feel solid about setting the floor @ 1WAR and expect 1.5 to 2 or so.
They most important get was always the Ace. Darvish has the stuff I wished we would have gone all in back on 2012. with Kuma, Dee G, and Romine signings - Simmons I guess we are @ 151.5 I still say we could stair step a Darvish deal 15-20-25 to allow better budgeting. We did end he year last year @ 168.5 or so I am told.