Twins trade Morneau to Pirates

[Otto von Ballpark]

The Twins were always free to resign Morneau at any price they could agree to. Maximum salary cuts only apply to pre-FA players, usually in arbitration.

 

As noted by another poster, this does prevent Morneau from getting no-trade protection next year as a 10-and-5 guy.

[Don't Feed the Greed Guy]

I'm hoping that the PTBNL is some stud who's in a minor league playoff push with one of the Pirates' organizations. If so, we'll find out later... Go Justin! Come October, Raise the Jolly Roger!

[Thrylos]

win-win situation.

 

I suspect that the PTBNL is the key here, and likely a AA/AAA pitcher on the Pirates' 40-man roster. Presley was a throw in, since he was a AAAA OF who was going to be a MiLB type FA after the season was done... Equivalent of Thomas for the Twins.