Toughest Contract Decision Facing the Twins This Winter

The Twins tendered Larnach a contract last November despite widespread speculation that they might let him go. At the time, the concern was that a bat-first outfielder did not fit the more athletic roster Minnesota wanted to build. His 2026 production gives the front office a stronger reason to keep him than it had a year ago.

Larnach also offers more certainty at the plate than the young players competing for outfield time. Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez reached the Major Leagues late in the year, while Alan Roden returned to the roster when Larnach was injured. Byron Buxton’s recovery from hip surgery adds another variable. Those players give the Twins options, but their presence does not guarantee that every outfield spot is settled for Opening Day.

The argument against another contract is real. If Minnesota intends to give Jenkins and Rodriguez regular at-bats, keeping Larnach could leave a productive veteran without a consistent role. The club also has pitching needs; spending more on an outfielder it views as a reserve would leave less room to address them.

Tender Him, Then Test the Trade Market

The Twins should tender Larnach a contract and explore a trade before committing to him as an everyday player. Not tendering him would make him a free agent without bringing anything back. After his improved year, Minnesota has a better reason to find out whether another club values his bat and remaining year of control. MLB.com identified him as a possible trade piece when assessing how the Twins could add pitching. That was an evaluation, not a report that a deal was in place.

A tender would preserve a useful alternative if the trade return falls short. Larnach could compete for outfield and designated hitter at-bats while the younger players establish themselves and Buxton completes his recovery. Minnesota would have to manage that playing time, but it would not need to surrender a capable hitter solely to create a vacancy.

Larnach’s stronger 2026 makes the decision harder than it was last winter. The Twins should recognize what he earned at the plate without promising him a role the roster may no longer support. Tendering him, then weighing actual trade offers against the value of keeping him, is the best way to do both.