There are many ways the Twins can spend money to help the team. Unnecessarily paying the rest of Morneau's contract is not one of them. I doubt any team is willing to give up a decent prospect for him. I'd rather see the Twins invest in a long term contract for one or more of their upcoming talents (Hicks, Arcia, Sano, Gibson, Rosario or Buxton). Let us hope that the Twins can make sound investments for their future.

 

We're several years from this even being on the table. In any case, the Twins have plenty of resources to do both should they choose to do so. I'm not sure that changes this situation at all.

I think the question comes down to one of opportunity cost so to speak and their 2013 salary comes down to a simple question. If paying for their salary results in getting a better prospect in return than what the same amount of money spent on the international free agent market then you do it. Otherwise, don't pay their remaining 2013 salary, get a poor prospect or project with upside in the low minors and take those saved dollars and invest them on some of the guys being discussed internationally.