Twins Face a Complicated Trevor Larnach Decision as Arbitration Deadline Approaches

The Minnesota Twins have less than two weeks to make a decision on Trevor Larnach, and the timing of his latest injury update has made an already difficult situation a little more complicated.

Larnach is coming off the best offensive season of his major league career, posting a .269/.352/.436 slash line with a 123 wRC+ across 122 games in 2026. Still, with the Twins facing a crowded group of left-handed outfielders and Larnach entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, it's reasonable to ask whether he fits into the club's plans for next season.

That conversation became more pressing this week after general manager Jeremy Zoll confirmed that Larnach will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist. According to Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune, Larnach began feeling discomfort when he returned to offseason workouts. He had already missed the final two weeks of the season with a wrist sprain.

Zoll described the procedure as a "cleanup," according to Nightengale, and does not expect it to affect Larnach's availability for spring training. The expected recovery timeline is encouraging, although the operation could still make other teams more hesitant to pursue a trade.

That matters because Minnesota has already explored moving the 29-year-old. The Twins had agreed to send Larnach to the Houston Astros at the trade deadline in exchange for reliever Bryan Abreu, but Houston owner Jim Crane ultimately nixed the deal.

The Twins now have to determine whether Larnach's 2026 production is enough to justify keeping him around at a projected $6.3 million arbitration salary. Cody Pirkl of Twins Daily noted that Larnach was worth the $4.475 million he earned this season, but his longer track record makes another commitment less straightforward.

Despite the career year, Larnach's production was largely built around getting on base. His .352 on-base percentage was a career high, while his .436 slugging percentage represented his best mark in that category. He also remains a below-average defensive option in left field, finishing with minus-eight Defensive Runs Saved and minus-five Outs Above Average.

The roster situation may be just as important. Minnesota has young outfielders Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodríguez approaching opportunities at the major league level, while Alan Roden offers a stronger defensive profile. Keeping Larnach could make it more difficult to create regular playing time for those players.

Pirkl suggested a trade could be the most practical middle ground, allowing Minnesota to get something in return rather than simply non-tendering him. The wrist procedure could complicate that process, however, particularly with the offseason lockout approaching.

The Twins' November 20 arbitration deadline is approaching quickly. Whether they tender Larnach a contract, find a trade partner or move on entirely, the decision will offer a clearer indication of how the organization plans to handle its crowded outfield heading into 2027.