Every year, Minnesota Twins fans have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite players and experience numerous Twins-related activities at TwinsFest, which is set to occur on January 23 and January 24 this year.
Stars Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan are notably not on the list of players set to appear at the annual event, which brought back trade rumors even though president Derek Falvey has made it clear he doesn't plan to part ways with them this offseason. Trade rumors aside, it makes sense they won't be at TwinsFest, as both stars are on Team USA's roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and Ryan and his fiancée welcomed their first child to the world in November. They are both likely preparing for the WBC, and Ryan likely wants to spend as much time with his family as possible before the season begins.
However, another notable Twin, outfielder Trevor Larnach, is no longer on the list of players set to appear at TwinsFest, spurring additional trade rumors.
Trevor Larnach is also no longer on the list of players scheduled to make an appearance at TwinsFest.https://t.co/fwo7Dok5pD
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) January 19, 2026
Trevor Larnach's absence from TwinsFest spurs additional trade rumors
Many Twins fans were surprised when Minnesota tendered Larnach a $4.475 million contract for 2026. The Twins have a crowded outfield, with Buxton, Matt Wallner, Austin Martin, Alan Roden and James Outman. Additionally, top outfield prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez are expected to make their MLB debuts in 2026.
And while Larnach mainly served as a designated hitter last season, Minnesota's acquisitions of Josh Bell, Eric Wagaman and Victor Caratini suggest that position will no longer be Larnach's primary role.
It appears that Bell will likely be Minnesota's primary designated hitter next season, while Wagaman and Kody Clemens will split duties at first base. Bell will still get opportunities to play first, but he is among the worst defensive first basemen in the league, meaning he likely won't get that many starts at the position.
In 142 games during the 2025 season, Larnach hit .250/.323/.404 (99 OPS+) with 17 home runs and 60 RBI. If he were a good defender, he could've been a valuable player with those stats. Unfortunately, he was a poor defender in his limited time in the outfield last year, and as a primary designated hitter, a 99 OPS+ isn't great. Since the Twins are attempting to be competitive on a limited budget next season, moving Larnach for a reliever and/or to clear payroll space to sign a reliever would be in the club's best interest.