Don’t Sleep on Trevor Larnach

[Tom Froemming]

The offseason is usually a time in which teams aim to address their weaknesses, but let’s take a moment to reflect on a current Twins strength. This amount of outfield talent in the org right now is insane, as illustrated by the fact that Alex Kirilloff and Trevor Larnach are still waiting in the wings.Alex Kirilloff became a part of history when he made his MLB debut in the postseason. That puts him much more at the forefront of our minds, but fellow former first-round pick Trevor Larnach is hot on his heels. These two started this year by putting on an absolute show in spring training before everything shut down.

 

Kirilloff hit .429/.455/.810 (1.264 OPS) in 22 plate appearances in Fort Myers while Larnach hit .333/.467/.708 (1.175 OPS) in 30 PAs. As if it wasn’t already easy to be incredibly excited about the future of these two mashers, these spring training performances really added some fuel to that fire.

 

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to enjoy following what these two did at the alternative site in St. Paul like we would have had there been a minor league season. Still, I could think of few better ways to spend my cold November Sunday than talking about these two budding sluggers.

 

I ran through some of the numbers and scouting grades out there for Kirilloff and Larnach in the video below, which is just over seven minutes.

 

 

Here are the spray charts I shared early in that video, via Prospects Live’s Minor Graphs. First up is Kirilloff:

Download attachment: Kirilloff.png

 

And here’s Larnach’s:

Download attachment: Larnach.png

 

The Twins turning to Kirilloff for a postseason boost against the Astros is a clear indication they think he’s ready for the first chance, but let’s not lose sight that Larnach is a prospect of very similar value who is also at or near ready for MLB action.

 

SEE ALSO

Twins Daily 2020 Top Prospects: #2 Alex Kirilloff

Twins Daily 2020 Top Prospects: #3 Trevor Larnach

Cruisin' With Kirilloff

3 Models for a Twins Blockbuster Trade This Winter

 

Click here to view the article

[tony&rodney]

Yes, it would be really interesting to see Trevor Larnach line up next summer for the Twins. I think he would mash. 

Only the Twins brain trust knows the answer to whether these two are ready but watching Larnach swing a bat delivers confidence in his hit tool. One of my iterations includes TL batting 8th, ahead of MG, and following LA-JD-AK-NC-MK-BB-JP.

Maybe, just maybe, a gamble on youth but through the years there are players who manage themselves well when tossed into the fray of mlb action. 

The deciding factor may be how the Twins manage resources in building a better bullpen and add to their starting staff. That and how committed Falvine are to Cruz might well determine if Trevor Larnach gets a shot, waits, or is traded. If we must bid goodbye to Rosario, I'm ready to see Larnach shine. Maybe he will even agree to shave his sorry goatee, or at least add further facial hair.

[Seth Stohs]

 

The Twins turning to Kirilloff for a postseason boost against the Astros is a clear indication they think he’s ready for the first chance, but let’s not lose sight that Larnach is a prospect of very similar value who is also at or near ready for MLB action.

 

Kirilloff's bat is ready, but Larnach has just as much bat as Kirilloff, or it's very close. Tom's right. The similarities are plentiful. I don't understand why there are 40-50 prospect ranking positions between the two. 

 

Kirilloff could possibly have been more ready based on St. Paul stuff that we would have no idea of, but a big factor in why he was called up for that situation as opposed to Larnach is because he had to be added to the 40-man roster after the season anyway, whereas Larnach has a year left before he needs to be added. 

 

Don't get me wrong. I tweeted two years ago predicting that Kirilloff would win multiple batting titles and an MVP... But... that doesn't minimize just how high Larnach's ceiling and floor are. 

[Danchat]

 

Kirilloff's bat is ready, but Larnach has just as much bat as Kirilloff, or it's very close. Tom's right. The similarities are plentiful. I don't understand why there are 40-50 prospect ranking positions between the two. 

 

Kirilloff could possibly have been more ready based on St. Paul stuff that we would have no idea of, but a big factor in why he was called up for that situation as opposed to Larnach is because he had to be added to the 40-man roster after the season anyway, whereas Larnach has a year left before he needs to be added. 

 

Don't get me wrong. I tweeted two years ago predicting that Kirilloff would win multiple batting titles and an MVP... But... that doesn't minimize just how high Larnach's ceiling and floor are. 

Yeah, I think that Kiriloff got his chance over Larnach because of the 40-man spot, as we'd be down one spot right now if we brought Larnach up for that single game. But I agree, Larnach's right in the thick of it with Kiriloff, and with the way he's consistently raked in the minors, I'd be willing to be he will end up as the better player. I fully expect him to debut at some point in 2021 and look the part.

[TopGunn#22]

I totally agree with this.  Larnach is NOT that far behind Kiriloff.  I believe these Twins prospects are ripe and need to be picked before they spoil on the tree.  The youth movement allows the Twins to keep Cruz and spend if need be for a better SP or closer.  This is why I'm bullish on trading Sano.  I believe multiple teams would be interested in his power potential.  I wouldn't give him away.  I'd need value.  But Kiriloff, Larnach and Rooker are ready to hit.  Move them on UP !!

[rv78]

No reason why both couldn't be on the opening day roster. If they depart ways with Rosario AND trade Sano or Kepler or both. Am I the only one here who thinks Kepler is over-rated too. Both Sano and Kepler are a drain on the lineup. Between Sano's K's and Kepler's career .237 batting average both need to be replaced. I'd be taking a look at the bats of Kirilloff, Larnach and Rooker. Unless we want to continue the playoff futility we need to find some guys that can HIT!

[strumdatjaguar]

If the NL goes to a DH, trade Sano for value (which I suspect will be there) and save an outfield spot, 1B and DH (rotation) for Kirilloff abs Larnach. I’m less excited with trading Rosario because his value in the market is not likely to as high as his value to the Twins. Don’t sign Cruz. 2021 is a year to boost our top prospects. The future is bright and the Twins should enter it.

[jmlease1]

Larnach is a terrific hitter and I think he's going to be an excellent player. But it's not that hard to see what Kirilloff has gotten more hype and appears to be ahead in the Twins rankings.

 

1) Kirilloff is a year younger, but has more ABs at AA than Larnach

2) Kirilloff had a season where he put up video-game numbers, even when going through a mid-season promotion. Larnach has never had a bad hitting season for the Twins, but has also never had a professional season quite like Kirilloff's 2018.

 

Larnach was the better hitter in 2019 at AA, but was also healthier. Now, that's a significant chip to Larnach's total: health is a significant asset. While it's generally not in the player's control, and isn't necessarily projectable...staying healthy is a heck of an asset.

 

They're both really exciting hitters. It's going to be really fun to see which one of them is the better power producer over time.

 

Larnach's readiness as a hitter is one of the reasons the Twins aren't going to give away the farm for Nelson Cruz and are very comfortable letting Eddie Rosario move on. He's going to be a good MLB hitter and has the potential to be an all-star bat.

[wabene]

If you consider these 3 PROSPECT bats as ready (including Rooker),I still think you have to keep one of Rosario or Cruz. 1 or more of the prospects may struggle and we need the depth. I would prefer Cruz with the superior, RIGHTY bat. Cruz also gets the nod on mature leadership.

[WyoTwin]

I say bring them both up.

Do a sign and trade with Colorado.(Buxton for Story) They would both have to sign a long term deal.

 

Move Kepler to centerfield for a year or two, start getting Lewis ready to play center..

[WyoTwin]

Could you imagine the infield hitting!

3rd Donaldson

SS Story

2nd Palonco

1st Sano

 

 

The outfield should hit like studs too.

 

Kepler, Kirilloff and Larnach

 

Then Rooker could be next guy up if someone doesn’t perform.

[Nash Walker]

T-LACK

[Sarah]

I was watching when he hit the home run in the College World Series and I remember thinking “he’s going to be playing for the Twins.” Hope to see him at Target Field soon!