maybe, but not likely. just because it happens constantly in RL doesn't mean it's a good way to run things
one of the things real mlb has to recognize and evolve.. or one person will and show it's merits, then all the rest will monkey see, monkey do it.
he's only 28/29, so if he didn't get into league until 23 or 24+, you'd have plenty of time to get a few more years before trading too. trading at 31-33 is end of prime time to do it, too. after that you are much less likely to get anythign useful in return.
not arguing what should do, just that you aren't stuck with 1 option to keep the player no matter what.