More recent examples of released higher contracts is Jarrod Saltalamacchia at $7.5 mill, or Chris Johnson at $7 mill. I would put it at <10% that Nolasco is released outright this season. Best case scenario - Nolasco pitches lights out, another team has a significant injury, and the Twins can trade him somewhere. Worst case scenario(s) - Nolasco pitches horribly, still has zero trade value, and becomes a burden on the team. OR Nolasco pitches lights out, the team falls back in love with him, and keeps him for the duration of the contract.