Their most expensive player — someone who was supposed to usher in an era of championship contention; three other position players who combined for more than 1,000 plate appearances this season; arguably their five best relief pitchers;

MLB teams shedding salary − whether it be midseason at the trade deadline or choosing not to extend certain players − shouldn't be new for MLB fans. But as Minnesota Twins fans watched a team just 5.5 games back of a wild-card berth get stripped for parts, it wouldn't be unreasonable to simply ask: "why?"