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After a half-decade of trade rumors that suggested Justin Morneau would leave the Minnesota Twins, it finally happened in 2013. He was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates and quietly contributed to their playoff run. One of the funniest baseball rumors to emerge since Morneau left the Twins is that it is possible Morneau could return to Minnesota for the 2014 season. He is a free agent after the season and will probably make less than he did in his last contract. Is it possible?
Well, sure it is possible. The Twins probably could afford him at a lower price tag if he accepts one because of his lesser contributions over the last few years and Morneau always said he loved it in Minnesota. But did he like it well enough to go back there instead of to a contender? Do the Twins really want him back badly enough to pay for the guy they finally got something in return for in 2013? I think the answer to both questions is no.
I highly doubt that Morneau will settle for a team that does not have at least a chance at contending for the playoffs considering he won a division title and almost went to the NLCS with the Pirates. He may even return there. Also I don’t think the Twins want him back if he is just going to produce the way he had in recent years. They probably figure they can get that much production for less money and they are probably right. I think both sides of this rumor will be fine without each other.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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