Cynical to say at some point in a long stretch of mediocrity they should at least try to capitalize on the value he has left? He hasn’t been good AND healthy since June 15. Not unusual. (611 OPS in the 20 games he’s managed to play since then). The Twins are 24-21 since then with a plus 5 run differential. There are other ways to win besides waiting and hoping your star does something he’s never been able to do. In his career the Twins have played 12 postseason games. In those games, he’s had a total of 7 PA. I don’t think it’s cynical to question whether it’s smart to just ride it out without actually trying to seek alternatives. Nowhere have I insinuated that you just try to get rid of him for the sake of getting rid of him. It’s the return value, while he has it. The key is you have to have the courage to try or have that conversation.
Also, I think it flies in the face of history, or even common sense, to fully buy into what a player or management says on the record. It’s seldom, if ever, the full story. There’s no incentive, and much disincentive, for either party to get into it. And it can change rapidly.