Matt Wallner

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Matt Wallner

|image = Game 01 2025 Twins-Cardinals Mar 29 Matt Wallner.png

|caption = Wallner with the Minnesota Twins in 2025

|team = Minnesota Twins

|number = 38

|position = Outfielder

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|12|12}}

|birth_place = Forest Lake, Minnesota, U.S.

|bats = Left

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = September 17

|debutyear = 2022

|debutteam = Minnesota Twins

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = June 22, 2025

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .243

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 35

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 98

|baseball_ref= w/wallnma01

|teams =

Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2022}}–present)

}}

Matthew John Wallner (born December 12, 1997) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Born and raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, Wallner played three years of college baseball at the University of Southern Mississippi. He finished his collegiate career as Southern Mississippi's all-time home run leader before the Minnesota Twins selected him with the 39th overall selection of the 2019 MLB draft. He played in their minor league system for four years before making his MLB debut in 2022.

Amateur career

Wallner played high school baseball at Forest Lake Area High School in Forest Lake, Minnesota. During his senior season, he was named Minnesota's Mr. Baseball after recording a 7-1 pitching record with a 0.95 ERA and batting .382 with ten home runs.{{cite web|url=https://www.twincities.com/2016/06/15/east-metro-baseball-player-of-the-year-matt-wallner-of-forest-lake/|title=East Metro baseball player of the year: Matt Wallner of Forest Lake|website=Twin Cities Pioneer Press|date=June 15, 2016|accessdate=April 12, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mnbaseballhub.com/news_article/show/666179-forest-lake-s-matt-wallner-named-mr-baseball|title=Forest Lake's Matt Wallner named Mr. Baseball|website=MN Baseball Hub|date=July 2, 2016|accessdate=April 12, 2019}} He originally committed to play college baseball at the University of North Dakota,{{cite web |date=March 22, 2017 |title=USM's Matt Wallner: The real deal |url=https://mississippitoday.org/2017/03/22/usms-matt-wallner-the-real-deal/ |accessdate=April 12, 2019 |website=Mississippi Today}} but the school dropped their baseball program in 2016, causing Wallner to sign with the University of Southern Mississippi.{{cite web |title=College choice unraveled, Forest Lake ace Wallner keeps impressing |url=http://www.startribune.com/college-choice-unraveled-forest-lake-ace-wallner-keeps-impressing/379537741/ |accessdate=April 12, 2019 |website=StarTribune|date=May 14, 2016 }}{{cite web |title=Prep baseball signee leaning toward USM |url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/southern-miss/2016/06/17/prep-baseball-signee-leaning-toward-usm/86060146/ |accessdate=April 12, 2019 |website=Clarion Ledger}} Following his high school graduation, Wallner was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 32nd round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-wallner-drafted-by-hometown-team-twins/c-183521630|title=Wallner's Draft experience means going to a game|website=MLB.com|accessdate=April 12, 2019}} However, he did not sign with the organization, instead choosing to honor his commitment to Southern Miss.

In 2017, as a freshman at USM, Wallner hit .336 with 19 home runs and 63 RBIs in 66 games. He also appeared in nine games out of the bullpen, compiling a 1.84 ERA.{{cite web|url=https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/sports/college/southern-miss/blitz/2018/02/13/ap-southern-miss-star-matt-wallner-could-best-two-way-player-nation/332846002/|title=AP: Southern Miss star Matt Wallner 'could be the best two-way player in the nation'|website=Hattiesburg American|accessdate=May 31, 2019}} He was named conference Freshman of the Year by Conference USA (C-USA), Baseball America, and D1Baseball.com.{{cite web|url=https://www.sunherald.com/sports/college/conference-usa/university-of-southern-mississippi/article158262659.html|title=Baseball America tabs Southern Miss' Matt Wallner as top freshman|website=Sun Herald|accessdate=April 12, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sunherald.com/sports/college/conference-usa/university-of-southern-mississippi/article159893404.html|title=Southern Miss' Matt Wallner named national Freshman of the Year, again|website=Sun Herald|accessdate=April 12, 2019}} He also garnered Freshman Hitter of the Year honors from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.{{cite web|url=https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/sports/college/southern-miss/blitz/2017/06/26/usms-wallner-named-nations-top-freshman/427989001/|title=USM's Wallner named nation's top freshman|website=Hattiesburg American|accessdate=April 12, 2019}} In addition, he was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team as well as the C-USA Second Team, and was also named a Freshman All-American by multiple outlets including the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sunherald.com/sports/college/conference-usa/university-of-southern-mississippi/article152153192.html|title=Southern Miss baseball dominates C-USA postseason honors|first=Tim|last=Isbell|website=sunherald}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sunherald.com/sports/college/conference-usa/university-of-southern-mississippi/article155669734.html|title=Southern Miss' Matt Wallner picks up another honor|website=Sun Herald|accessdate=April 12, 2019}}

As a sophomore in 2018, Wallner batted .351 with 16 home runs and 67 RBIs in 62 games while recording a 7.98 ERA in {{fraction|14|2|3}} innings.{{cite web|url=http://www.the3rdmanin.com/matt-wallner-mlb-draft/|title=Matt Wallner thrives in first two college seasons|website=The 3rd Man In|date=January 29, 2019 |accessdate=April 12, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2019/01/23/southern-miss-baseball-2019-matt-wallner-roster-key-good-season-cusa/2661381002/|title=Southern Miss baseball 2019: All-star roster, Matt Wallner key for 'rebuilding' season|website=Clarion Ledger|accessdate=May 31, 2019}} He was named to the C-USA First Team and once again was named an All-American by various publications.{{Cite web|url=http://conferenceusa.com/news/2018/5/22/baseball-base-2018-awards-announced.aspx?path=baseball|title=BASE: 2018 Awards Announced|website=Conference USA}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wxxv25.com/2018/12/17/usms-matt-wallner-named-american/|title=USM's Matt Wallner named All-American|first=Jeff|last=Haeger|date=December 17, 2018}} Following the season, he played for USA Baseball as a member of the Collegiate National Team.{{cite web|url=https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/sports/college/southern-miss/baseball/2018/06/26/usm-star-matt-wallner-named-usa-baseballs-collegiate-national-team/736409002/|title=Southern Miss star Matt Wallner named to USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team|website=Hattiesburg American|accessdate=April 12, 2019}} He also played in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Falmouth Commodores.{{cite web|url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=1285580&seasonid=31242 |title=#44 Matt Wallner |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/matt-wallner-making-the-most-of-his-summer-in-the-cape-cod-league/|title=Matt Wallner Making The Most Of Summer In The Cape Cod League|website=Baseball America|accessdate=April 12, 2019}}

Prior to the 2019 season, Wallner was named a preseason All-American by Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, D1Baseball.com and Perfect Game.{{cite web|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/southern-miss/2019/02/14/how-does-matt-wallners-injury-affect-golden-eagles/2873331002/|title=How does All-American's Matt Wallner's injury affect the Golden Eagles?|website=Clarion Ledger|accessdate=May 31, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wdam.com/2018/12/19/usms-wallner-selected-preseason-all-america/|title=USM's Wallner selected preseason All-America|website=WDAM 7|accessdate=May 31, 2019}} During the year, he hit his 54th career home run, becoming USM's all-time record holder.{{cite web|url=https://www.wdam.com/2019/05/19/matt-wallner-becomes-usms-home-run-king/|title=Matt Wallner becomes USM's home run king|website=Baseball America|accessdate=May 31, 2019}} Wallner batted .323 with 23 home runs and sixty RBIs for the season, earning a spot on the C-USA First Team.{{cite web|url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/1357687-Twins-draft-one-time-UND-baseball-recruit-No.-39-overall-would-have-been-programs-highest-ever-pick|title=Twins draft one-time UND baseball recruit No. 39 overall; would have been program's highest-ever pick|first=Brad Elliot Schlossman |last=June 4, 2019 - 1am|website=Grand Forks Herald|date=June 4, 2019 }}{{cite web|url=https://southernmiss.com/news/2019/6/3/baseball-matt-wallner-becomes-highest-ever-drafted-golden-eagle-with-pick-by-twins.aspx|title=Matt Wallner Becomes Highest Ever Drafted Golden Eagle with Pick by Twins|website=Southern Miss}} He finished his collegiate career with a school record 58 home runs.{{cite web|url=https://www.sunherald.com/sports/college/conference-usa/university-of-southern-mississippi/article231160993.html|title='I wouldn't change one thing.' Southern Miss' Matt Wallner drafted by hometown team|last=By|website=sunherald}}

Professional career

File:Matt Wallner Saints 2022.jpg

The Minnesota Twins selected Wallner with the 39th overall pick in the 2019 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/former-forest-lake-pitcher-turned-hitter-matt-wallner-realizes-dream-of-being-drafted-by-twins-twice/510797162/|title=Former Forest Lake pitcher-turned-hitter Matt Wallner realizes dream of being drafted by Twins — twice|website=Star Tribune}}{{cite web|url=https://www.twincities.com/2019/06/04/twins-draft-minnesotan-matt-wallner-with-no-39-pick/|title=Twins draft collegian Matt Wallner of Forest Lake with No. 39 pick|first1=Betsy|last1=Helf|last2=Bhelf|date=June 4, 2019|publisher=}} He signed for $1.8 million, and was assigned to the Elizabethton Twins of the Rookie-level Appalachian League.{{cite web | url=https://www.wdam.com/2019/06/18/wallner-twins-come-terms/ | title=Wallner, Twins come to terms }}{{cite web | url=https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Baseball/2019/06/21/Twins-Wallner-found-common-ground-three-years-later.html?ci=stream&lp=1&p= | title=Twins, Wallner found common ground three years later }} He was promoted to the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Single-A Midwest League in August.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/cedar-rapids/news/matt-wallner-joins-kernels-from-elizabethton/c-310186220 | title=Baseball News }} Over 65 games between the two clubs, Wallner slashed .258/.357/.452 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs.{{cite web | url=https://www.prospects1500.com/al-central/twins/10-names-you-need-to-know-minnesota-twins/ | title=10 Names You Need to Know - Minnesota Twins | date=July 25, 2020 }} He did not play a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web | last=West | first=Jenna | title=Minor League Baseball's 2020 Season Canceled | website=SI.com | date=June 30, 2020 | url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2020/06/30/minor-league-baseball-season-canceled-2020-coronavirus | access-date=February 15, 2025}}

To begin the 2021 season, Wallner returned to Cedar Rapids, now members of the High-A Central.{{cite web | last=Johnson | first=Jeff | title=Cedar Rapids Kernels 2021 opening-night roster announced | website=The Gazette | date=May 1, 2021 | url=https://www.thegazette.com/minor-league-sports/opening-night-roster-for-cedar-rapids-has-been-announced/ | access-date=February 15, 2025}} In late May, he was placed on the injured list with a right wrist sprain.{{cite web | title=Twins' Matt Wallner: Out with wrist injury | website=CBSSports.com | date=May 26, 2021 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-matt-wallner-out-with-wrist-injury/ | access-date=February 15, 2025}} It was later revealed that he broke a hamate bone and required surgery.{{cite web | url=https://www.ballysports.com/north/news/opponents-in-constant-danger-of-striking-out-versus-twins-pitching-prospect-vall | title=Opponents in constant danger of striking out versus Twins pitching prospect Vallimont }} He was activated on July 20.{{cite web | title=Twins' Matt Wallner: Returns from IL | website=CBSSports.com | date=July 20, 2021 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-matt-wallner-returns-from-il/ | access-date=February 15, 2025}} Over 68 games with Cedar Rapids, Wallner slashed .265/.350/.504 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs.{{cite web | last=Helfand | first=Betsy | title=Forest Lake’s Matt Wallner among Twins prospects headed to Arizona Fall League | website=Twin Cities | date=October 6, 2021 | url=https://www.twincities.com/2021/10/06/forest-lakes-matt-wallner-among-twins-prospects-headed-to-arizona-fall-league/ | access-date=February 15, 2025}} He was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League for the Scottsdale Scorpions after the season.{{cite web | last=Callis | first=Jim | last2=Mayo | first2=Jonathan | last3=Dykstra | first3=Sam | title=Arizona Fall League rosters 2021 prospect loaded | website=MLB.com | date=October 6, 2021 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/arizona-fall-league-rosters-2021-prospect-loaded?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage | access-date=February 15, 2025}} Wallner was assigned to the Wichita Wind Surge of the Double-A Texas League to begin the 2022 season.{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2022 |title=Seven Twins Top-30 Prospects Highlight Wichita Roster |url=https://www.milb.com/wichita/news/twins-release-wind-surge-roster |access-date=February 15, 2025 |website=MiLB.com}} He was selected to represent the Twins at the 2022 All-Star Futures Game.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2022-futures-game-rosters?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage|title=Here are the 2022 Futures Game rosters|work=MLB.com|first=Jonathan|last=Mayo|date=July 7, 2022|accessdate=July 7, 2022}} In mid-July, he was promoted to the St. Paul Saints of the Triple-A International League.{{cite web | last=Curet | first=Taylor | title=Matt Wallner promoted to Triple-A St. Paul | website=WDAM.com | date=July 15, 2022 | url=https://www.wdam.com/2022/07/15/matt-wallner-promoted-triple-a-st-paul/ | access-date=February 15, 2025}} Over 128 games played between Wichita and St. Paul, he slashed .277/.412/.541 in 458 at bats with 27 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 32 doubles, and was third in the minor leagues with 97 walks.{{cite web | last=Helfand | first=Betsy | title=Forest Lake's Matt Wallner makes big impression in Twins debut | website=Twin Cities | date=September 17, 2022 | url=https://www.twincities.com/2022/09/17/forest-lakes-matt-wallner-makes-big-impression-in-twins-debut/ | access-date=January 31, 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?type=bat&year=2022|title=2022 Register Batting Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

Major League career

File:2025 Twins-Cardinals Mar 29 Matt Wallner 2.png

On September 17, the Twins selected Wallner's contract and promoted him to the major leagues.{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2022 |title=Twins put Kepler on IL, call up Forest Lake native Matt Wallner |url=https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/twins-put-kepler-on-il-call-up-forest-lake-native-matt-wallner/ |access-date=January 31, 2025 |website=KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News}} He made his MLB debut that night, hitting a solo home run off of Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians for his first MLB hit.{{cite web | last=Park | first=Do-Hyoung | title=Matt Wallner hits home run for first MLB hit | website=MLB.com | date=September 17, 2022 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-wallner-hits-home-run-for-first-mlb-hit | access-date=February 15, 2025}}

Wallner was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul to begin the 2023 season.{{cite web | title=Twins' Matt Wallner: Optioned to Triple-A | website=CBSSports.com | date=March 18, 2023 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-matt-wallner-optioned-to-triple-a/amp/ | access-date=January 31, 2025}} He was called up to the majors for the first time in early April and went hitless in six games between April 8–15. He was recalled from Triple-A again on May 23 after Trevor Larnach contracted pneumonia.{{cite news |title=Twins place Trevor Larnach on 10-day injured list |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-twins-place-larnach-on-il-recall-wallner |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=May 23, 2023 |language=en}}