[NoOne]

if they are on the 40-man you are paying them at least 535k, i think, and using an option when you send back down. as long as they don't accrue 172 days of ml service time they are still "rookies" and remain at that 535k level auto-renew until they get 2-3 years service time. (can only gain 1 per calendar year)

you don't want anyone on the 40-man unless they need to be. you can bring them to ST without putting on 40-man. the ai fills this up over the offseason needlessly.

use the 40man for depth and players running out of mil control if they don't re-sign or headed for a likely rule 5 selection by another team. always leave wiggle room.. 32-35 headed into season is optimal.

i prefer to stick around 32-33 and bring up the aaa-prosects, if needed. but it starts the proverbial clock and they will cost money even if not accruing ML service time after you send back to minors. if you need more than ~7 extra mil/mlb depth contracts on 40-man with a few prospects and 40-man spots open, if needed, you aren't going anywhere with that many injuries at one time anyway.

budgets fix at day one of preseason or ST, i forgoet.. just check at each of those points and you know.