I posted earlier that Buxton, Ryan and Lopez should be the only untouchables, so I can't be angry that the FO traded as they did. I'm definitely a little confused by trading Varland. Losing Jax and Duran sucks, but I get the rationale.
There was an article I read earlier that mentioned most teams pending sale will keep most non-expiring contracts because generally the new owner is enthusiastic about spending money up front to make a winner. Instead Pohlad choose the FU option and blew it up.
So either, there isn't any "pending transaction" as stated or Pohlad really wanted to stick the dagger in fans one last time. Short term the team is as toxic as it gets. An owner who is going to follow the Pirates playbook while over-valuing the team.