Please Don’t Overlook Trevor Larnach: Why the Twins Still Have a Valuable Bat Hiding in Plain Sight

Entering the offseason, many who closely follow the Minnesota Twins assumed that Trevor Larnach’s time with the organization was nearing its end. Whether via a non-tender decision in mid-November or a trade before spring training, the expectation was that the Twins would move on from the corner outfielder/designated hitter. Instead, Minnesota chose a different path.

The Twins tendered Larnach a contract in the fall and later agreed to a one-year, $4.475 million deal to avoid arbitration. Now, with pitchers and catchers set to report to the Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers in less than three weeks, Larnach remains firmly on the roster — and potentially more important to the Twins’ 2026 plans than many realize.

At first glance, Larnach’s situation appears uncertain. A deeper look, however, suggests the Twins could unlock significant value if they deploy him correctly.

A Changing Role as Larnach Enters His Sixth MLB Season

Larnach is set to enter his sixth Major League season, all with Minnesota. But his role in 2026 may look very different from what he has experienced in prior years due to how the Twins’ projected 26-man roster is shaping up.

As things stand, Larnach is projected to platoon in left field with Austin Martin. In this scenario, Larnach would start against right-handed starting pitchers, while Martin would handle starts against left-handed pitching. On paper, that arrangement should favor Larnach, as MLB teams face right-handed starters roughly three times more often than left-handers.

However, Minnesota’s roster construction introduces another wrinkle: the Twins may have enough defensive flexibility to avoid playing Larnach in the field altogether.

Defensive Depth Could Push Larnach Toward a DH-Centric Role

The Twins have several left-handed-hitting corner outfield options who are superior defenders to Larnach. Kody Clemens and Alan Roden — or possibly James Outman, depending on spring training performance — are all projected to compete for Opening Day roster spots.

Clemens, Roden, and Martin could rotate through left field interchangeably, giving Minnesota a plus defensive option regardless of platoon matchup. Each of them is also capable of backing up Matt Wallner in right field, providing defensive coverage at both corner outfield spots.

In that scenario, Larnach’s primary role would shift toward designated hitter against right-handed pitching, with Josh Bell (first base) and Victor Caratini (catcher) — both switch-hitters — spending more time in the field.

At first blush, this may seem like a limited role for a player earning nearly $5 million. But that surface-level assessment misses the bigger picture.

Why the Twins Should Lean Into Larnach’s Strengths

The key to understanding Larnach’s value lies in how often teams face right-handed pitching — and how effective he has been in those matchups.

In 2024, Larnach posted a .259/.338/.434 slash line over 400 plate appearances, good for a 119 wRC+, which marked the best season of his MLB career. Crucially, he was excellent against right-handed pitchers, slugging 15 home runs and posting a 123 wRC+ over 377 plate appearances.

Against left-handed pitching, however, Larnach struggled mightily. He managed just a 63 wRC+ in a very small sample of 23 plate appearances. While that split raised concerns, the limited volume matters.

The following season tells an even clearer story.

Context Matters: The Real Reason for Larnach’s Perceived Dip

In 2025, Larnach once again performed well against right-handed pitching, posting a 110 wRC+ over 449 plate appearances. The problem was not his production against righties — it was how often the Twins asked him to face left-handers.

Due to a lack of corner outfield and DH depth, Minnesota significantly increased Larnach’s exposure to left-handed pitching. He accumulated 118 plate appearances against southpaws — nearly five times as many as the year before — and posted a brutal 71 wRC+ in those matchups.

That expanded role dragged down his overall numbers and created the illusion of regression. In reality, the Twins were simply asking Larnach to do something he has never done well.

A Smarter Deployment Could Unlock Real Value

With Austin Martin, Clemens, Roden (or Outman), Wallner, Bell, and Caratini all projected to be on the Opening Day roster, the Twins now have the depth to shield Larnach from his weaknesses.

If Minnesota limits Larnach almost exclusively to plate appearances against right-handed pitching, there is a realistic path for him to return to a 120–130 wRC+ range — production that would easily justify his contract and then some.

Of course, this approach places more pressure on Martin, Bell, and Caratini to be productive against left-handed pitching. Larnach is not a platoon-proof bat in the mold of Kyle Tucker or Tyler Soderstrom, but he doesn’t need to be. He simply needs to be used correctly.

Roster Math: Where Things Get Complicated

The remaining question is whether the Twins’ roster can fully accommodate the ideal role for Larnach.

Minnesota will carry 13 position players. Locks include:

• Ryan Jeffers

• Victor Caratini

• Josh Bell

• Luke Keaschall

• Brooks Lee

• Royce Lewis

• Byron Buxton

• Matt Wallner

• Kody Clemens

That’s nine spots spoken for.

Players such as Alan Roden, Austin Martin, Tristan Gray, Ryan Kreidler, and Eric Wagaman have minor-league options, giving the Twins flexibility. Still, difficult decisions remain regarding James Outman, Edouard Julien, and Alex Jackson, all of whom are out of options.

The roster also lacks a clear backup shortstop or third baseman, meaning one of the final spots likely goes to Tristan Gray, tightening the squeeze further.

Julien appears the most expendable. But if the Twins choose to carry three catchers by keeping Jackson, they may also rotate Jeffers and Caratini at DH — cutting into Larnach’s opportunities. Outman, meanwhile, offers legitimate center field defense, making him valuable behind Buxton, even if his bat lags.

The Final Verdict: Don’t Count Larnach Out Yet

If the Twins trust Larnach defensively in left field — something they clearly did not in 2025 — he has a clear path to sticking on the roster and providing value. If they don’t, his future becomes murkier, not because of his bat, but because of roster construction.

Trevor Larnach doesn’t need to be an everyday, matchup-proof star to help the Twins win. He needs the right role, consistent usage against right-handed pitching, and a roster that supports specialization.

Whether Minnesota can — or will — provide that opportunity remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: overlooking Trevor Larnach would be a mistake. In the right context, there’s still a highly productive hitter here, hiding in plain sight.