Matt Wallner Bio
Matthew John Wallner, born on December 12, 1997, is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). A native of Forest Lake, Minnesota, Wallner emerged as one of the top power-hitting prospects in college baseball during his three seasons at the University of Southern Mississippi. He currently serves as a starting outfielder for the Twins and is recognized for his combination of plate discipline and right-handed power.
Wallner finished his collegiate career as the University of Southern Mississippi’s all-time home run leader. The Minnesota Twins selected him with the 39th overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft, and he spent four seasons developing in the minor leagues before reaching the major leagues in 2022. Since his debut, he has become a regular presence in Minnesota’s outfield.
Early Life and Background
Matthew John Wallner was born and raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, a suburb located northeast of the Twin Cities. He grew up in a region with a strong baseball tradition and developed his skills through local youth programs before enrolling at Forest Lake Area High School. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism allowed him to excel as both a pitcher and a position player during his teenage years.
During his senior season at Forest Lake Area High School, Wallner produced one of the most impressive high school seasons in Minnesota history. He was named Minnesota’s Mr. Baseball after recording a 7-1 pitching record with a 0.95 earned run average while also batting .382 with ten home runs. His two-way performance drew the attention of professional scouts and college recruiters alike.
Wallner originally committed to play college baseball at the University of North Dakota, but the school dropped its baseball program in 2016. As a result, he signed with the University of Southern Mississippi to continue his development. Following his high school graduation, the Minnesota Twins selected him in the 32nd round of the 2016 MLB draft, but Wallner chose not to sign and honored his commitment to Southern Miss.
Path to Baseball
Wallner’s path to professional baseball began with a stellar freshman campaign at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2017. Playing in Conference USA, he hit .336 with 19 home runs and 63 runs batted in across 66 games, while also appearing in nine games as a relief pitcher with a 1.84 earned run average. His performance earned him Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors and multiple Freshman All-American selections.
As a sophomore in 2018, Wallner continued his ascent, batting .351 with 16 home runs and 67 runs batted in over 62 games. He was named to the Conference USA First Team and earned All-American recognition from several publications. He also represented USA Baseball as a member of the Collegiate National Team and played in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Falmouth Commodores during the summer.
Prior to his junior year in 2019, Wallner was named a preseason All-American by multiple outlets. During that season, he hit his 54th career home run to become the University of Southern Mississippi’s all-time home run leader. He finished his collegiate career with a school-record 58 home runs, batting .323 with 23 home runs and 60 runs batted in as a junior.
Matt Wallner Career
Minor League Career (2019–2022)
The Minnesota Twins selected Matt Wallner with the 39th overall pick in the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. He signed for $1.8 million and was assigned to the Elizabethton Twins of the Rookie-level Appalachian League before being promoted to the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Single-A Midwest League in August. Over 65 games between the two clubs, Wallner slashed .258/.357/.452 with eight home runs and 34 runs batted in. 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.
In 2021, Wallner returned to Cedar Rapids, now a member of the High-A Central, but a right wrist sprain in late May later revealed a broken hamate bone that required surgery. After being activated in July, he finished the year slashing .265/.350/.504 with 15 home runs and 47 runs batted in over 68 games, earning a selection to the Arizona Fall League for the Scottsdale Scorpions. In 2022, he was assigned to the Wichita Wind Surge of the Double-A Texas League, was selected to represent the Twins at the 2022 All-Star Futures Game, and was promoted in mid-July to the St. Paul Saints of the Triple-A International League.
Major League Debut and Early Years (2022–2023)
On September 17, 2022, the Twins selected Wallner’s contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time. He made his MLB debut that night and hit a solo home run off Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians for his first major league hit. Over 57 at-bats for the Twins in 2022, Wallner hit .228 with two home runs and ten runs batted in.
Wallner was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul to begin the 2023 season. He was called up to the majors for the first time in early April and went hitless in six games before being recalled from Triple-A again on May 23 after Trevor Larnach contracted pneumonia. Over 76 games for Minnesota in 2023, Wallner batted .249 with 14 home runs and 41 runs batted in, while hitting .291 with 11 home runs and 47 runs batted in across 67 games with St. Paul.
Establishing a Role (2024–Present)
Wallner played in 75 games for Minnesota in 2024 and hit .259 with 13 home runs and 37 runs batted in, missing the end of the season due to an oblique strain. He also played in 67 games for St. Paul during the year, batting .259 with 19 home runs and 53 runs batted in. His combination of on-base skills and power continued to develop throughout the season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wallner is recognized for his plate discipline and right-handed power, drawing walks at a high rate while producing extra-base hits. His ability to handle breaking pitches and work deep counts allows him to get on base consistently, while his power plays in all fields. As an outfielder, he provides a reliable bat in the middle of the Minnesota lineup.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wallner’s MLB debut home run off Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians on September 17, 2022, stands as one of his most memorable early career moments. He also set the University of Southern Mississippi’s all-time home run record with 58 career home runs and represented the Twins at the 2022 All-Star Futures Game. His walk rate in the minor leagues ranked among the highest in professional baseball during the 2022 season.
Matt Wallner Career Wins
As a position player, Matt Wallner’s career milestones are measured in home runs, extra-base hits, and walks rather than traditional wins. Across his major league career through the 2025 season, Wallner has accumulated 51 home runs and 128 runs batted in, establishing himself as a middle-of-the-order threat for the Minnesota Twins.
MLB Highlights
Wallner has produced three consecutive seasons of double-digit home runs for the Minnesota Twins, beginning with his 2022 debut. His first career home run came on September 17, 2022, off Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians. His 2023 campaign featured 14 home runs and 41 runs batted in over 76 games, while his 2024 season included 13 home runs and 37 runs batted in despite a late-season oblique injury.
Other Wins & Performances
During his time in the minor leagues, Wallner earned selection to the 2022 All-Star Futures Game and was third in all of minor league baseball with 97 walks in 2022. He was also named to the Arizona Fall League for the Scottsdale Scorpions following the 2021 season, and he finished his collegiate career as the University of Southern Mississippi’s all-time home run leader with 58 home runs.
Matt Wallner Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Matt Wallner was born and raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, where he developed his baseball skills through local programs. Details about his parents and immediate family are not publicly documented in verified sources.
Personal Life
Wallner maintains a private personal life and is focused on his Major League Baseball career with the Minnesota Twins. Information about his marital status, spouse, or children has not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Matt Wallner opened the 2025 season as Minnesota’s starting right fielder, securing an everyday role in the Twins’ outfield. He missed over a month during the season due to a hamstring strain, but returned to contribute significant power to the lineup. In 104 appearances for Minnesota, Wallner batted .202/.311/.464 with 22 home runs, 40 runs batted in, and four stolen bases.
On September 19, 2025, Wallner was placed on the injured list due to a right oblique strain, ending his season prematurely. Despite the injury, his 22 home runs represented a career high and demonstrated his continued growth as a power-hitting outfielder. His on-base percentage of .311 reflected his trademark plate discipline and ability to draw walks at an elite rate.
Looking ahead, Wallner remains a key part of the Minnesota Twins’ long-term plans as a middle-of-the-order run producer. His combination of power, patience, and defensive versatility in the outfield positions him as a foundational player for the franchise. Continued health and development will determine his trajectory as a core member of the Twins’ lineup.