Twins Arbitration Tracker: Ober, Jeffers, Lewis, Larnach Agree to Terms

4 days ago 2

Today is the deadline for players and teams to file arbitration salary figures for the 2026 season, meaning players will often come to terms with teams rather than heading to court. However, teams and players can still negotiate right up until the hearing date, typically in mid-February. Once the hearing happens, an independent arbiter will decide between the team’s number and the player’s, so there is no more middle ground. Under POBO Derek Falvey, the Twins historically have preferred to not go to arbitration, so I would expect most of these deals to get done today or in the coming weeks.

According to Darren Wolfson of KSTP and SkorNorth, the Twins have come to agreements with the players below for the 2026 season. I also included their expected 2026 salary from MLBTradeRumors, to see the impact on the payroll as whole.

Agreed to Terms:

Bailey Ober: $5.2M (projected $4.6M)
Ryan Jeffers: $6.7M ($6.6M)
Royce Lewis: $2.85M ($3M)
Trevor Larnach: $4.475M ($4.7M)
Justin Topa: $1.5M** ($1.7M)

Net payroll impact: +$125K

** Topa’s contract is technically $1.225M this season with a $225K buyout on a $5M mutual option for 2027. Since mutual options never get exercised, it’s easier to simplify Topa’s deal.

TBD