Agreed.We should not acquire "rentals" by paying a high price because we are not a SC contender at this time.
We do need to build for future seasons so we must have a high degree of confidence that we can sign any expensive-to-acquire "rental". That probably means gaining the right to talk to the "rental" player prior to consummating the trade and getting player agreement to sign after the trade is made..
Reason I'd be fine acquiring Donato for a 3rd (assuming that'll get it done), his next deal won't be too expensive. He's fine in the top 6 and could be extended in the $2-3 million range. He'd be an upgrade over Amadio as well