Yeah, the fringe contenders definitely just punt the season. You would have maybe 4-5 teams actually trying if only the best team went straight to the World Series (can't even say playoffs). Would actually make the league less competitive haha
I don't think they will move Keuchel but I bet Kimbrel gets moved. It might be enough to bring in Conforto. I feel like he will sign for 4 years in the $64-$80 mill range, unless he gets a high AAV one year deal (higher than qualifying offer) somewhere.
At the current payroll? No, I don't think they would increase the payroll where they currently are at.
I think they deal Kimbrel though and that will open space in the budget.