If the Twins front office thinks he/they can fix it. They won't release him and run the risk of paying the 26 million to pitch decently for another team. You don't want to be in the owners office after Hughes (while pitching for the Royals) pitches well against the Twins and you are still the one paying him all that money. The Twins front office is going to need to be absolutely sure before they cut bait. Even if the owner signs off on cutting Hughes. The owner will still be relying on the input, expertise of the POBO and GM before he signs off. So if it happens... the POBO and GM will doing a lot of hemming and hawing to some very pointed questions.