LAS VEGAS — As expected, Ryan Jeffers' free agency and looming qualifying offer decision have been the dominant Twins topics at MLB's annual GM Meetings, but there are also other notes — and quotes from Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll — that I wanted to pass along before heading back to Minnesota.
Surgery for Larnach
Trevor Larnach, who ended last season on the injured list with what the Twins described as a left wrist sprain, is now scheduled for arthroscopic surgery after continuing to experience wrist soreness in early offseason workouts. Zoll called it a "cleanup" procedure that shouldn't affect his readiness for spring training.
Of course, whether or not Larnach is still on the Twins' roster by spring training is very much in question. He's a prime trade or non-tender candidate going into his final year of team control, particularly given the Twins already had a deadline trade in place sending Larnach to the Astros before Houston's owner nixed it.
I suspect a relatively minor wrist surgery doesn't make Larnach any more or less likely to stay with the Twins in 2027, but it could give possible trade suitors some pause and thus increase the likelihood of a non-tender later this month. Larnach is projected for a $6.3 million salary via arbitration if retained.
Larnach had a solid season, batting .269/.352/.436 (123 wRC+) in a platoon role shielding him from lefties. However, the Twins have Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Alan Roden as fellow left-handed-hitting outfield options who are younger, cheaper, and better defensively than the 29-year-old Larnach.
Also of note: Houston has changed general managers since the trade deadline, so the new Astros front office likely no longer has the same level of Larnach interest even if their owner were to stay hands off. November 20 is the deadline to tender 2027 contracts to arbitration-eligible players like Larnach.
Jeffers set to turn down QO
Zoll said the Twins have to be prepared, from a payroll and roster standpoint, for Jeffers to accept the qualifying offer, because being on the hook for $23.15 million would certainly change their plans. However, nearly everyone I talked to all week in Las Vegas has been assuming Jeffers will decline the qualifying offer.