Larnach blocks out noise of trade rumors to hit loud HR in Seattle

SEATTLE -- Trade rumors aren’t new to Trevor Larnach. He spent much of the offseason wondering whether he’d be back with the Twins for 2026, and his name has come up again as Monday's 5 p.m. CT Trade Deadline approaches.

But what he experienced on Saturday before the Twins' 4-3 loss against the Mariners? That was definitely new.

A report on X claimed that the Twins had actually agreed to a deal with the Astros to send Larnach to Houston for reliever Bryan Abreu, but that Astros ownership had nixed the deal at the last minute. It’s unclear whether the report is accurate, but regardless, Larnach had a very unusual morning.

“It’s definitely not ordinary,” Larnach said. “I don’t take it into the field at all. I don’t take it personal, but at the end of the day, there’s a lot of noise outside the field that I try to stay away from … and just let whatever happens take its place.”

Manager Derek Shelton did not directly acknowledge the report, but indicated he had talked to Larnach about the situation prior to the game. He was asked in general terms about how he handles a situation like the one that came up Saturday.

“Very candidly and openly,” Shelton said. “And have a conversation and tell people that you understand things get speculated and things get thrown around. But very candidly. Don't hide behind things that are reported.”

Then after the conversation, Shelton wrote Larnach into his lineup in left field, batting first -- as he does most days -- and Larnach went out and homered. It was a very Larnach moment, a process-oriented player blocking everything out and just doing his job.

“Everything that I do, I just focus on preparing for what I’ve got to do out there,” Larnach said. “That’s where my focus is. My focus isn’t where I’m going to be or what’s going to happen tomorrow or the next day. Because at the end of the [day], that’s not going to help me out so I try not to put too much energy or stock into that.”

It’s still possible Larnach could be dealt. The Twins have acknowledged that they’re willing to trade from their Major League roster, and as a left-handed-hitting corner outfielder, Larnach fills a role where the organization has multiple other options.

But even if he’s dealt, he probably won’t have another morning like Saturday.

“It was a first for me, for sure,” he said.