MLB Forum >> Question Regarding Small Market Teams + Superstars

I'm not a baseball guy but was in a conversation with someone who claimed to be one. We got into an argument regarding small market teams and the issue they would face if they drafted a bona fide superstar. The example was say the pirates or royals drafted an albert pujlos and as he approached his free agency years (and was putting up the stats he has been the past few years) (assuming they were able to financially manage his arbitration years), the small market teams would have no choice but to trade him in the last year. They could not under any circumstances attempt to keep him, correct?

My friend claimed if a team had a pujlos or lincecum and he was only 25-26 and hitting free agency, they'd find a way to keep him. I argued it would be impossible and to afford a contract that big would cripple the organization for years and years.

Can someone please offer your opinion?

Thank you.