Amid 40-Man Roster Crunch, Minnesota Twins Likely to Non-Tender Trevor Larnach Friday

[LambchoP]

Julien, Outman and Gasper should not be anywhere near our 26 or 40 man roster. All three would probably pass through waivers. Larnach has a decent bat, I would think we should be able to get a little something of value for him in a trade, preferably a relief pitcher...

[twinstalker]

First, the distress about Larnach was only appropriate four years ago when it was obvious he wasn't more than replacement level going forward.

Second, despite the above, he actually is much better than some guys at his position.  Corollary: see salary.

Third, why in the world are people arguing about what the Twins should do this coming season?  They've given up.  The fact they don't explicitly say they've given up shouldn't fool you.  Gleeman, Bonnes, and the writers wouldn't help themselves by stating this any more than they already have, but it shouldn't be that big a leap for the semi-intelligent Twins fan.

Until the Twins address their true issues, it's just not going to matter.

 

[bean5302]

Not sure about Larnach. He'd make $4.7MM in arbitration (projected by MLBTR) or $3.25MM by Spotrac's projection, but the Twins have been pretty reliable at avoiding arbitration for a substantially lower amount. I'd guess the Twins can sign Larnach for $2.5-3.0MM. That's absolute chump change for a league average bat with some emergency versatility.

Larnach has great baseball instincts, he just doesn't have the physical tools to excel in the outfield. If anybody was a great candidate for a 1B tryout, it would have been him, but I haven't heard anything about him working out there.

I'd rather keep him at a lower dollar amount.

[Bob Twins Fan Since 61]

3 hours ago, rdehring said:

Should be an interesting day over at Target Field.  Personally, I believe Larnach has value.  Although I would be shocked if he is on their opening day roster, I remain hopeful that they keep him today so they can trade him over the next few months.  Would love seeing Larnach moved for a solid reliever with a few years experience, even if the Twins need to add a prospect to get the right guy.

As for opening a spot on the roster so they can make a Rule 5 pick, there are several others that could be waived.  Top of my list is Julien.  Unlike you, the player we saw the last two years is the player he is and to me that has zero value.

Depending on your definition of a solid reliever, I have my doubts Larnach could fetch that.  He is weak defensively in the outfield.  He hasn't showed he can hit well enough either to Be a "DH" only.

[S Bart]

I like Larnach and his hitting statistics were towards the top of the team in 2025. Ryan and Lopez will probably be next on the block. If Buxton can get a trade to his home state of Georgia, he should take it. It will be a AAA team taking the field in 2026....should help the salary crunch for the Pohlads but an empty Target field will take place....is Taylor Swift, Springsteen or even Bad Bunny available for a concert after a game.. ..maybe think of some promotions ...bring back Disco Night

[twinstalker]

6 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

Julien, Outman and Gasper should not be anywhere near our 26 or 40 man roster. All three would probably pass through waivers. Larnach has a decent bat, I would think we should be able to get a little something of value for him in a trade, preferably a relief pitcher...

First sentence very true.  After that, very false.

[Trov]

I have said all along Larnach is DFA/non-tendered.  I could see a team with need for a left handed hitter willing to trade a low level prospect or some international signing money for him, just so they know they get him, but he is a replacement level corner outfield/DH.  You can find them just about anywhere.  Nothing about Larnach screams a team needs to reach for him. 

Topa, I agree could get the non-tender as well being he has not shown anything that would require locking up a roster spot for him with an unknown price. If they can agree on a price I would not be surprised to have him stay, but if his asking is way more than Twins feel like they want to pay, and just want to avoid whole process he will be gone.

[rdehring]

7 minutes ago, Bob Twins Fan Since 61 said:

Depending on your definition of a solid reliever, I have my doubts Larnach could fetch that.  He is weak defensively in the outfield.  He hasn't showed he can hit well enough either to Be a "DH" only.

Thats why I included the language about their possibly needing to add a prospect to get that reliever.

[Major League Ready]

58 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Let the entire outfield show it. Then make your moves. 

I don't propose Larnach play all 162 games. I don't even propose that Larnach plays 130 games. Outman and others will get opportunity to show it so let them show it.   

If they do... I'll drive Trevor to the airport myself. This works itself out over time and it doesn't have to be a long time either. Just allow for fair competition and in the meantime. Larnach is one of our few proven major league hitters and his contract isn't expiring.     

But again... I get it. The 40 man roster has to be proportioned better. At least one OF will have to go beyond McCusker and Keirsay. Larnach is going to be a prime candidate if not thee candidate.  

The problem is someone is not going to be given a chance to show it.  Buxton is a given.  If Wallner, Martin , Wallner, and Roden are the candidates, someone DHs and someone is a bench player.  Of course, someone can show it in a bench role but that approach emphasizes winning an extra game in 2026 vs building a contender.   

Prospects are also less likely to get a chance.  What do you do when Jenkins or Rodriguez or Gonzalez show they're ready?  Do we want them up in a bench role?

[FlyingFinn]

1 hour ago, Drtwins said:

IMO there are several players who should come off the 40-man before Larnach, as many others have noted: Outman, Keirsey, McKusker, Kreidler, and Julien. 

And Kiersey didn't last 2 hours from the time of your post. He has been DFA'd.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, CRF said:

I'd send Julien packing before Larnach, but they really should dump Julien, Larnach, Outman, and Keirsey. They have zero trade value anyway.  

There is no deadline for them to make a decision this Friday for Julien, Outman or Keirsey. Plus, Keirsey just got dropped to bring in Alex Jackson.

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, Major League Ready said:

The problem is someone is not going to be given a chance to show it.  Buxton is a given.  If Wallner, Martin , Wallner, and Roden are the candidates, someone DHs and someone is a bench player.  Of course, someone can show it in a bench role but that approach emphasizes winning an extra game in 2026 vs building a contender.   

Prospects are also less likely to get a chance.  What do you do when Jenkins or Rodriguez or Gonzalez show they're ready?  Do we want them up in a bench role?

I agree that major league managers tend to designate utilization in that fashion but I continue to insist that if they don't... playing time is plentiful for all if they just allow for honest competition and through competition the utilization will define itself with the performers picking up more work and players not performing getting less work or sent to the minors. You just have to allow all the opportunity to show if they should be considered for 2027. 

I believe that as this project moves forward... we will get where we need to get quicker by not assuming that Larnach is better than Roden and Roden is better than Larnach.      

And that is where Jenkins, Erod and GG eventually come in. First injury or sign that Outman is failing in his audition. The club can choose who gets the first crack at it.

If Jenkins is the choice, he comes in and looks like Keaschall did last year. He stays. He won't see AAA ever again. And he can play every single day along with Buxton and you have a solid piece in place for 2027. He is ready for the majors. If he comes in and look like Brooks Lee. He can play 5 out of 6 games.   

One difference that you and I are going to have. I believe we are closer than most think. We need to locate as many major league bats as possible as quickly as possible. Buxton is one, Larnach is two, Wallner is three... I'm hoping Keaschall is 4.

Let's find out who 5, 6, 7, and 8 are. I'm sending them all through the filter. I will not use the term bench for any of them. If they need the bench designation... just scratch them off the list and try someone else.    

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Why would anyone want Larnach's ABs to go to James Outman? He a brief productive stretch with the Dodgers but has otherwise been extremely underwhelming. And he's not exactly young either in terms of age or service time. He's been around. Kind of is who he is. Now you could say that about Larnach but who Larnach is - he's a better player than Outman.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

And I know they need bullpen arms but Topa...woof. Will be disappointed if he makes the team out of spring training. 

[DJL44]

6 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Why would anyone want Larnach's ABs to go to James Outman? 

I don't know why anyone would want that. I'd rather his at-bats go to Martin, Roden, Jenkins, Rodriguez and Gonzalez.

[ashbury]

5 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

If the entire team out hits Larnach. We are playoff bound.  

The entire team doesn't need to out hit Larnach, to make him expendable.  Just the DH.  And that alone doesn't add up to a post-season berth.

[Riverbrian]

4 minutes ago, ashbury said:

The entire team doesn't need to out hit Larnach, to make him expendable.  Just the DH.  And that alone doesn't add up to a post-season berth.

It's just an attempt to simplify in a complicated way.  

 

[Chembry]

Don’t know if there is any truth to this…It just showed up on my feed, I don’t follow whoever that is

[Riverbrian]

7 minutes ago, Chembry said:

Don’t k know if there is any truth to this…

How does this guy have sources? 

[Chembry]

1 minute ago, Riverbrian said:

How does this guy have sources? 

I don’t know…I updated my previous post to say that I don’t follow whoever that is…it showed up on my feed.  That’s why I said I don’t know if there is any truth to it.

[Riverbrian]

9 minutes ago, Chembry said:

I don’t know…I updated my previous post to say that I don’t follow whoever that is…it showed up on my feed.  That’s why I said I don’t know if there is any truth to it.

I get it... wasn't directed at you. I just used your post. 

One question that immediately comes to mind. If they are trading Larnach for a prospect... If he isn't on the 40 man... Keirsay wouldn't have needed to be cleared to make room for Jackson. 

[The Great Hambino]

18 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

How does this guy have sources? 

Based on the twitter handle he might be the hitting coach

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, The Great Hambino said:

Based on the twitter handle he might be the hitting coach

Well...

You know that all hell has broken loose when hitting coaches are on X breaking club news and saying according to sources. 

 

 

[KBJ1]

I agree, there are 10 other worse players on the 40 man than larnach. But at 4-5M he probably  goes. Just shows the sad state of this team.

[Jim H]

Larnach's salary really shouldn't really be a factor in whether you keep him or not. I can see maybe clearing out either Larnach or Wallner before the 2026 season starts, if your goal is to get a good read on whether any of Roden, Outman, or Martin are worth keeping around. At some point your supposed future; Jenkins, Rodriguez, etc, need to start showing up in the majors.

I would think there should be room to keep one of Larnach or Wallner until the potential impact youth shows up.  I would probably keep Larnach. I am not too fond of 3  true outcome players guys like Wallner.  The point is you probably don't need both, unless you somehow believe keeping both gives the Twins a better chance to compete for a playoff berth in 2026.

[Otaknam]

Outman showed nothing once he was acquired, so I’m not sure why they would keep him. He should be a candidate for release along with Julian. Neither has shown that they are ready to help. If Larnach is released it will be because of his arbitration number of $5 million. 

[TJSweens]

Here is the thing about Larnach. He isn't good enough to play in the field. He catches in a very limited range and that's it. He also isn't a good enough hitter to justify him at DH. If your only job is too hit, you need to be better than league average.

[The Great Hambino]

1 hour ago, Otaknam said:

Outman showed nothing once he was acquired, so I’m not sure why they would keep him. He should be a candidate for release along with Julian. Neither has shown that they are ready to help. If Larnach is released it will be because of his arbitration number of $5 million. 

If they trusted anyone else to be a backup CF for anything beyond an occasional fill-in, then I don't think he'd still be here.  I don't think Martin is that guy, don't know about Roden.  In theory, he eliminates the need to spend even a modest amount on a Michael A Taylor-type, which is not an area where they can afford to be burning resources given all their other needs.

That's the best I can come up with, anyway.   Hopefully Jenkins gives him the boot during the year at some point and becomes the primary backup in CF while starting in a corner

[h2oface]

9 hours ago, rdehring said:

Agree with much of what you are saying, mike.  Although you threw me a curve when talking about your four outfielders.  Kept thinking the Twins don't have an outfielder with a last name of Walker.  Assume you mean Jenkins?

My disagreement stems from so many of you claiming that Roden is mediocre or worse.  If you look at his minor league stats and claim he is mediocre, then all three of the kids you would like to see are also likely to be mediocre.  Let's not throw him under the bus after what, 100 big league at bats with a trade in the middle of them.

Our lineup has been and is littered with players that performed well like Roden in the minors including AAA. Have you noticed his performance in the Show, with both Toronto and Minnesota? I have. Granted SSS. 136 ABs. Apparently Toronto wasn’t impressed, either. Unless Falvey is a genius…….. which from past observations, I’m not betting on. 

[thelanges5]

The #MNTwins have tendered a contract to Trevor Larnach, per Darren Wolfson