Twins surprisingly tender contract to outfielder Trevor Larnach
Ahead of Friday's non-tender deadline, it felt that there was no chance of Trevor Larnach being tendered a contract, as the Twins have an abundance of left-handed hitting outfielders in the organization. However, the Twins shocked fans by tendering a contract to Larnach for 2026. The exact details of the deal will be revealed this winter. MLB Trade Rumors projects a $4.7M salary.
Additionally, the Twins expectedly tendered contracts to righty pitchers Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan and Cole Sands, catchers Ryan Jeffers and Alex Jackson and third baseman Royce Lewis. Minnesota also agreed to terms with righty reliever Justin Topa for next year and designated outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. for assignment.
Twins could seek to trade outfielder Trevor Larnach this offseason
Just because the Twins tendered Larnach a contract, it doesn't mean the outfielder will be with Minnesota next season. President of baseball operations Derek Falvey may attempt to trade Larnach this offseason. That way, Minnesota could receive something of value, ideally a relief pitcher, for the former first-round pick as opposed to just non-tendering him. The Twins also could hold on to Larnach for a bit and trade him during the season.
Larnach is an average hitter, as displayed by his career OPS+ of 99. If he were a great defender, then he would be valuable. Unfortunately, he isn't a good defender; he posted -4 Outs Above Average and -3 Arm Value for the Twins last season. He isn't fast, either, ranking in the 19th percentile in sprint speed (26.1 ft/sec) this past season.
The Twins outfield is simply too crowded for Larnach. Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Austin Martin, Alan Roden and James Outman all likely will be part of Minnesota's outfield plans next season. Not to mention, outfielders Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez will likely make their MLB debuts next season. Outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez looks ready to make an impact in the big leagues soon as well.
Of course, injuries and regression are common in baseball, so having Larnach may be necessary for Minnesota. Who knows, maybe the outfielder will have a career year in his age-29 season.