I’ve noticed a lot of teams talk up their “rebuilding years” like they’re laying the groundwork for future success, but isn’t it often just a way to cut costs without admitting it? As a candy making instructor, I’m used to planning steps carefully to get the right results, so I’m curious how this plays out in sports. Do fans generally buy into the idea, or does it feel like a letdown when rosters get thinner? What’s the real benefit for a team long-term, aside from the financial side? I’d love to hear your take on whether these phases are genuinely strategic or more about managing expectations.