Actually more reason for hope and confidence IMO.
If AA's not convinced any acquisitions - particularly rentals - will push this team over the top, don't simply "give away" assets. Don't get into a bidding war for guys like Herrera and Machado if you're not convinced they make you legitimate threats to Houston, the Yankees, or Boston - who gives a *hit about beating Washington in the NL East this year if you have to gut your system? Adding Herrera alone wouldn't have caused the Astros, Yankees, or Sox to lose a minute's sleep - and I'm not convinced adding Machado makes them scared of us either (although it would come much closer).
Trading for someone who's going to walk away this winter to give you a little better shot at winning the NL in 2018 is pretty pointless. If you can get a rental for next to nothing, that's fine - just don't go giving up Top 10-15 (and maybe even Top 20) prospects if you're not getting someone back that can help you in 2019 and later.
Sit back and enjoy the ride the present team has taken us on so far and see how much further it goes. Go fill holes with all that money this winter.