The point is that the Twins likely had a maximum value they wouldn’t exceed, because they don’t think Wheeler is worth it. The question is what he should be paid, not whether they can afford to pay him. For instance, they obviously could have very easily afforded to pay Cron his $8 million, but ultimately decided that money could be used better elsewhere. In theory, they could have extended him 5/100, but that would have been dumb. Not saying I agree with capping their offer at 100 million (LNIII has reported the offer was 5/100), just that they seem to have drawn a line they wouldn’t cross. Wheeler was my first choice (well, Cole), but there are still some really good pitchers out there in Bumgarner and Ryu. Baseball teams can also make trades.