Woodruff is a FA now. Under his circumstances, I'd think that is better for him moving forward. It's known he's going to miss most if not all of 2024. His only downside at this moment is the rehab and Dr's he could have working with him within the team he's signed to. But ah, yes he can still sign with a team to gain that of his choosing. He can also go the route on his own and as he prepares a return to throwing, have a showcase say in August and sign a deal then that could still portend 20+M come 2025 season, should he showcase well. The 2/12 or 2/14 that locks him from the 2025 earning potential. Waiting til July and August, will still be enviable to a team signing him having 2+months to negotiate a long end contract if he's throwing well in September. Keep looking at this from FO perspective, when you ought to look at it from Woodruffs perspective. His decision making. He's losing his age 31 season. 2yr deal makes it age 32 committed. He was on track for top 15 paid SP in baseball. Something that declines with age. Having age 32- for start to that deal vs age 33- is impactful. Until he shows he's no longer a SP caliber his value is much higher than being thought of here.