Astros Owner Reportedly Blocked Trevor Larnach Trade as Twins Continue Deadline Push

[Cody Christie]

The Minnesota Twins have already been one of baseball's busiest teams leading up to the August 3 trade deadline, but it doesn't sound like they're finished yet.

After adding three pitchers in recent days, Minnesota continues to scour the market for bullpen upgrades. According to multiple reports, the front office remains engaged in trade discussions centered on acquiring another right-handed reliever. One of those conversations came remarkably close to producing another deal before it was halted from the top of the Houston Astros organization. 

Trevor Larnach appeared to be at the center of one of the more surprising trade discussions of deadline season. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Larnach learned through social media that Astros owner Jim Crane blocked a trade that would have sent reliever Bryan Abreu to Minnesota in exchange for the veteran outfielder. A league source familiar with the discussions confirmed both the proposed deal and Crane's involvement.

The Astros entered Saturday atop the American League West standings, making it understandable why ownership may have been reluctant to move one of its most experienced late-inning relievers, even amid an inconsistent season. For the Twins, the proposal made plenty of sense.

Trevor Larnach's Value Has Never Been Higher

Larnach has quietly put together the best season of his major league career while significantly outperforming expectations. After being somewhat surprisingly tendered a contract last offseason, the former first-round pick agreed to a $4.48 million salary for 2026. He remains under club control through the 2027 season, making him an affordable option beyond this year.

Through 92 games, the 29-year-old is batting .284 with nine home runs, 19 doubles, 39 RBI and an .843 OPS. His 128 OPS+ reflects a hitter who has been comfortably above league average all season. Even with only modest home run production, Larnach has become one of Minnesota's most productive hitters over the past two months. Larnach was able to block out the rumors in Seattle on Saturday when he launched a solo home run in the sixth inning before drawing a one-out walk in the eighth.

Why the Twins Were Willing to Listen

Trading one of the team's hottest hitters might seem counterintuitive for a club firmly in the postseason race, but Minnesota's roster construction makes Larnach one of its most logical trade chips.

The Twins possess an enviable collection of left-handed corner outfielders. Matt Wallner has performed well at Triple-A, Alan Roden has emerged as another capable option, and top prospect Walker Jenkins is viewed as a cornerstone piece for the future. 

With that surplus, moving Larnach for a premium bullpen arm would address one of the club's biggest weaknesses without significantly weakening the organization's long-term outlook. Considering he's under team control through next season at a reasonable salary, Larnach's value may never be higher.

Bryan Abreu Fits Exactly What Minnesota Needs

It's easy to understand why Minnesota targeted Abreu despite his uneven 2026 campaign. The hard-throwing right-hander owns a 4.74 ERA and 5.41 FIP this season, but those numbers don't tell the entire story. Over the previous four seasons, Abreu established himself as one of baseball's premier setup relievers, posting a combined 2.30 ERA with a 2.79 FIP while playing a key role in Houston's 2022 World Series championship.

His recent performance suggests he may be rediscovering that form. Over his last 18⅔ innings, Abreu has allowed only four earned runs, good for a sparkling 1.45 ERA. As an impending free agent making $5.85 million this season, Minnesota would have been responsible for only the prorated remainder of his salary while potentially adding another high-leverage weapon to a bullpen that has already received multiple reinforcements.

Could the Talks Resume?

Whether Houston revisits the framework before Monday's deadline remains to be seen. The Twins and Astros already completed one notable transaction when Minnesota sent Carlos Correa back to Houston last season in a salary-clearing move. That recent history shows the two organizations are certainly willing to do business with one another.

With the Twins continuing to pursue another right-handed reliever, it wouldn't be surprising if they circle back with Houston or explore similar deals involving Larnach.  Minnesota's front office has made it clear that adding pitching remains the priority. Even after acquiring three new arms, the Twins don't appear ready to stop until they've addressed every bullpen need they can before the trade deadline arrives.

 

View full rumor

[twinstalker]

Those numbers tell the story for this year.

[Cory Engelhardt]

7 minutes ago, twinstalker said:

Those numbers tell the story for this year.

Agreed. Looks at his numbers since June 1. They are right in line with the rest of his career. Poor start to the year notwithstanding.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

We are only getting partial information so it’s hard to fullly analyze. On its face it seems to be an overpay, but we have ample options for the outfield. 

[nicksaviking]

I get trading Larnach, but why for a rental? I’m starting to become gravely concerned this team cares most about making a token playoff appearance this year and has no eyes on  being a legit contender next year and beyond.

[jorgenswest]

Added in the reports…

Quote

This report should be taken with a grain of salt, as it's not from an official insider or reporter. But considering the Astros' interest in a left-handed outfielder like Larnach and the real potential for an Abreu trade, it's an interesting rumor nonetheless.

 

 

[dxpavelka]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

I get trading Larnach, but why for a rental? I’m starting to become gravely concerned this team cares most about making a token playoff appearance this year and has no eyes on  being a legit contender next year and beyond.

KEEPING Larnach would be the indication they are trying for the token playoff appearance.  Nothing screams "eyes on being a legit contender next year and beyond" like blocking potentially as many as three left handed hitting corner outfielders who are knocking at the door.

[Bodie]

How much would YOU give up for Larnach?  Even this year's version?

 

Yeah.

[SteveLV]

I wish the MLB Commissioner would stop the Skubal trade for competitive balance reasons.  At least the Dodgers had to give up some prospect/player capital instead of just buying him, but I am sure they will extend him to try and beat the CBA negotiations which might cap their ability to buy all the best players going forward.

The rich get richer.

[USAFChief]

1 hour ago, SteveLV said:

I wish the MLB Commissioner would stop the Skubal trade for competitive balance reasons.  At least the Dodgers had to give up some prospect/player capital instead of just buying him, but I am sure they will extend him to try and beat the CBA negotiations which might cap their ability to buy all the best players going forward.

The rich get richer.

Really really bad for baseball. 

[Original_JB]

6 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

KEEPING Larnach would be the indication they are trying for the token playoff appearance.  Nothing screams "eyes on being a legit contender next year and beyond" like blocking potentially as many as three left handed hitting corner outfielders who are knocking at the door.

Let's not get delusional here; Wallner and Roden are not being "blocked" by anyone and Jenkins may or may not be ready; Larnach is here because he's played better than the other two --this year, and, if either of the other guys had the "hotter hand" they would be the ones up here playing and under the same trade fodder stories.

[tlkriens]

1 hour ago, SteveLV said:

I wish the MLB Commissioner would stop the Skubal trade for competitive balance reasons.  At least the Dodgers had to give up some prospect/player capital instead of just buying him, but I am sure they will extend him to try and beat the CBA negotiations which might cap their ability to buy all the best players going forward.

The rich get richer.

The Dodgers need SP. Snell, Glasnow and Ohtani are all out. Yamamoto and Wrobleski have been really good. At the moment, they don't have three quality SP for the playoffs. I'm know people complain about everything. How did the Kyle Tucker signing work out this off-season?

[Derojo]

Larnach has competitive productive at bats. However, he's a defensive liability because of his speed and arm. I'd like to see what Martin and Roden could do with more reps. We have a couple.more outfielders in AAA, so now is the time for consistent starting. I will say that Larnach is a ballplayer. 

[weitz41]

Larnach for Abreu sure seems a bit light to me. Don't get me wrong Abreu would be a big upgrade to the BP. Add a prospect or two coming the Twins way and I like the trade a lot more. Say...Bryce Mayer. 

[HarmonK03]

What has Roden done to show he is a capable option as stated.  His leash has to be short, we have other guys coming up behind him that will need a chance.  And Roden just has not grabbed hold of any of his opportunities and run with it.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Trading a year plus 2 months of Larnach , our leadoff hitter against righties ,during a stretch run ,and postseason  run, for two months of a n up and down rental reliever does not seem like a good trade by the Twins to me. I understand that there are 3 other outfielders in the Twins system who can play better defense than Larnach in leftfield for the Twins right now, however I question who the leadoff batter would be for the Twins, who is second in the American League in runs scored so far this season...and how effective any of those three would be batting ieadoff or otherwise, instead of Larnach. The offense is not broken. Don't mess it up. Leftfield is not a critical fielding position. Keep Larnach unless a better offer is received.

[saviking]

Rental is the key word ..

[LambchoP]

I understand trading Larnach given our stash of lefty OF's, but I think we need to target RP with at least another year of control. If we have to throw in a little extra with Larnach like a prospect to get it done so be it. If we only go after rentals, we're just going to need to rebuild the pen again in the off-season.

[saviking]

Off topic I know .. But I have come to the conclusion the Twins aren't willing to bring up Jenkins, Cullpepper or EMA because they don't want to block them from more miner league development in the event of a lockout. Or beging the clock on their major league service ..

[nicksaviking]

9 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

KEEPING Larnach would be the indication they are trying for the token playoff appearance.  Nothing screams "eyes on being a legit contender next year and beyond" like blocking potentially as many as three left handed hitting corner outfielders who are knocking at the door.

Yeah the prospects need to be up getting reps, but that could be done by trading/DFAing/demoting Bell, Gray, Martin, Kriedler and/or Roden.

But trading for more relievers blocks Raya, Culpepper, Matthews from getting needed reps too.

[laloesch]

5 hours ago, SteveLV said:

I wish the MLB Commissioner would stop the Skubal trade for competitive balance reasons.  At least the Dodgers had to give up some prospect/player capital instead of just buying him, but I am sure they will extend him to try and beat the CBA negotiations which might cap their ability to buy all the best players going forward.

The rich get richer.

Yep this.  The Dodgers even stated publicly “they intend to be greedy at the deadline.”  Like seriously the commissioner needs to stop this nonsense.  And yes MLB needs a cap. Sorry it’s true

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, nicksaviking said:

Yeah the prospects need to be up getting reps, but that could be done by trading/DFAing/demoting Bell, Gray, Martin, Kriedler and/or Roden.

But trading for more relievers blocks Raya, Culpepper, Matthews from getting needed reps too.

I just don't think this team is a series of mediocre rentals from being a very good team. Trade for prospects or guys here past 27? Sure, I'll happily listen. Trade for, what, twenty or thirty appearances from a RP? No. No thank you. 

[JD-TWINS]

3 hours ago, tlkriens said:

The Dodgers need SP. Snell, Glasnow and Ohtani are all out. Yamamoto and Wrobleski have been really good. At the moment, they don't have three quality SP for the playoffs. I'm know people complain about everything. How did the Kyle Tucker signing work out this off-season?

Snell - Glasnow - Ohtani will all be fine by Sept. ……. at least 2 of them will. Sheehan is capable & Lauer (3.07 ERA over last 7 starts) is another decent option.

[JD-TWINS]

35 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Yeah the prospects need to be up getting reps, but that could be done by trading/DFAing/demoting Bell, Gray, Martin, Kriedler and/or Roden.

But trading for more relievers blocks Raya, Culpepper, Matthews from getting needed reps too.

If Adams is blocking any PEN arm/prospect, they aren’t very good!

Guys don’t get “tried out” to get MLB reps in August & September if the Team is in the race. If they are not competing for playoffs, by all means move on - that (development or satisfying fan curiosity) is not what the organization’s focus is at this point.

Kreidler & Martin aren’t going anywhere.

Bell - Roden - Wallner - Gray - Emma (no future options) are all up for trade. Trades to better Team this year &/or future, not to bring up fringe guys from AAA to check them out.

K. Culpepper & Jenkins make sense for Gray & Roden whenever organization sees fit. Unless they drop out of the race, nobody else (prospects) will see Target field in ‘26. …. If Emma’s around, he may see the MLB in September as rosters expand….. zRsys’s got a real shot, if healthy.

[JD-TWINS]

57 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I just don't think this team is a series of mediocre rentals from being a very good team. Trade for prospects or guys here past 27? Sure, I'll happily listen. Trade for, what, twenty or thirty appearances from a RP? No. No thank you. 

Agree - 2nd best hitter, with another year of control for a rental in Abreu is not a net gain.

If Abel was healthy all year would Team be competitive (2-3 more wins?) …….. if Lopez was healthy all year would Team be competitive (3-4 more wins?) …….. if Jeffers wasn’t out for 60 games would Team be more competitive (2 more wins?). If Sands wasn’t 100% all year …….maybe 1-/ more wins.

Jeffers is back - can trade for a real pitcher for rotation that is either a rental like May, (less assets) or an ongoing piece like Hancock (more capital). With a real starter and either Prielipp or Matthews to the PEN. Already have strengthened PEN with Minter. Add a starter & they are a good Team now. Displace Gray with Culpepper in 10 days and it gets better/deeper.

Hancock allows consideration of trading Ryan or any pitching asset in off-season for ‘27 help…….makes the assets lost to Seattle seem like a worthwhile exchange longer-term.

Can trade Caratini - Bell - Wallner - Roden NOW to get one more arm or betterment for ‘27 & beyond. …….. This puts Larnach & Buxton/Keaschall in a platoon at DH. Opens spot for Jenkins in a corner spot.

Winning record to date v. Yankees & Guards…..6 home games between them left on schedule.

Won Season Series with Astros & Red Sox.

The potential for advancement in this year’s A.L. is as high as it will get in any year going forward.

FO/Ownership needs to ACT! Kremer is a 2 start band-aid ….. that’s it ……

[dxpavelka]

5 hours ago, Original_JB said:

Let's not get delusional here; Wallner and Roden are not being "blocked" by anyone and Jenkins may or may not be ready; Larnach is here because he's played better than the other two --this year, and, if either of the other guys had the "hotter hand" they would be the ones up here playing and under the same trade fodder stories.

Again with the "this year."  The point is that Larnach staying helps "this year" but delays big league progression for Jenkins and / or Rodriguez and / or Mendez for future years.  Throw in Rhoden & Martin, and Wallner for good measure and you're up to a half dozen guys being impacted.  I'm just fine with Martin, Rhoden & Wallner being impacted.  But I DO want to see as much of Jenkins / Rodriguez / Mendez before the end of this year as we can, considering that if we don't it might well be March of 2028 before we do.  Or later.

 

[dxpavelka]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Yeah the prospects need to be up getting reps, but that could be done by trading/DFAing/demoting Bell, Gray, Martin, Kriedler and/or Roden.

But trading for more relievers blocks Raya, Culpepper, Matthews from getting needed reps too.

Do you see brighter future for Jenkins / Rodriguez / Mendez or Raya / Culpepper / Matthews?

[Pykkman]

What is going on in Houston?   Why is the owner nixing a trade the GM wanted?   How does this information reach social media?   Not a good look for the Astros.  

[Craig Arko]

1 minute ago, Pykkman said:

What is going on in Houston?   Why is the owner nixing a trade the GM wanted?   How does this information reach social media?   Not a good look for the Astros.  

Report leaked via trashcan lid?

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, dxpavelka said:

Again with the "this year."  The point is that Larnach staying helps "this year" but delays big league progression for Jenkins and / or Rodriguez and / or Mendez for future years.  Throw in Rhoden & Martin, and Wallner for good measure and you're up to a half dozen guys being impacted.  I'm just fine with Martin, Rhoden & Wallner being impacted.  But I DO want to see as much of Jenkins / Rodriguez / Mendez before the end of this year as we can, considering that if we don't it might well be March of 2028 before we do.  Or later.

 

THIS year, with a weak A.L., may be the BEST or as good of a chance Team will have for next few years, IMO.

Get Bell & or Caratini or Roden or Jackson out of the way, fine……to get space and an arm or prospects.

Rodriguez has averaged 53 games per year for last 4 years ……. the only one blocking him is Emma!

Martin has been up and playing for 3-4 years, when he’s stayed healthy. He played in  platoon with Larnach for 10 weeks - actually displaced Wallner, until his bat went cold.

How in the hexx is Larnach blocking Wallner?? They are the same age & Wallner was playing RF every day with Larnach on the same roster. Wallner sucked, that’s why he’s back down in St Paul for the 3rd time in 4 years (hurt last year).

If Team thought Mendez was better than Roden, he would have been promoted.

Jenkins for Roden & Culpepper for Gray over next 2-3 weeks, outstanding!!

Larnach IS the 2nd best hitter on the Team. He is under control next year. He’s ideal for DH….. platoon with Buxton/Keaschall. He can play defense if needed, unlike current DH. Again, Larnach IS the 2nd best hitter on roster and he too, was a highly touted, first round draft pick. Now he’s performing and people want to trade him to see IF someone else may be able to hit. No sense to that thinking: