After buying at the deadline and another disappointing late-season collapse, the Minnesota Twins face some key decisions this offseason. While some veterans are certainly worth keeping around, it may be time to fully embrace a youth movement in Minnesota, which means several arbitration-eligible players should be cut or traded this offseason.
2 arbitration-eligible Twins players who will probably be cut or traded this offseason
OF Trevor Larnach
The Twins simply don't have room for Trevor Larnach next season. Many thought the same heading into this season, but Larnach has put together a solid year, posting 2.2 fWAR and a 123 wRC+ over 122 games. But now that Emmanuel Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins are in the majors, plus outfielders Gabriel Gonzalez and Hendry Mendez appearing ready to be big-league regulars soon, there just isn't room for Larnach on the roster next season.
Larnach is entering his final year of arbitration in 2027. The outfielder and the Twins avoided arbitration this season, agreeing to a $4.475 million deal. Since Larnach has had the best season of his career in 2026, the Twins may be able to get something of value for the outfielder. Before this summer's deadline, the Twins and the Astros agreed to swap Larnach for right-handed reliever Bryan Abreu, but Houston's owner nixed the deal. If Minnesota can deal Larnach for a player like Abreu, a high-leverage reliever, the team should make that trade. If not, Minnesota could consider non-tendering the outfielder.
OF Matt Wallner
Wallner is an obvious trade/non-tender candidate. Next season will be his first arbitration year, and he hasn't played a major-league game since being optioned to Triple-A St. Paul in May. He has slashed just .167/.259/.292 (58 wRC+) over 34 games with the Twins this season.
Wallner has excelled since being demoted to the Saints, hitting .254/.368/.518 (125 wRC+) with 24 home runs over 91 games. However, he has struck out at a 27.3% rate and, as of Sept. 7, has hit just .163 against Triple-A fastballs thrown 95 mph or harder, according to AaronGleman.com's Aaron Gleeman.
The Twins might be able to get a decent reliever or prospect for Wallner, who has hit .223/.333/.461 (123 wRC+) with 55 home runs over 307 MLB games. But if the Twins cannot find a trade suitor for the Minnesota native, they will likely non-tender him this upcoming offseason. If the Twins lacked outfield depth, it might be worth giving him another shot in the majors. But for the same reason they should cut Larnach, they should let go of Wallner.
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