Matt Wallner Bio
Matthew John Wallner 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, where he finished as the program’s all-time home run leader. The Minnesota Twins selected him with the 39th overall pick of the 2019 MLB draft, and after four seasons in the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut in 2022. Known for his power at the plate, Wallner wears number 38 for the Twins.
Early Life and Background
Matthew John Wallner was born on December 12, 1997, in Forest Lake, Minnesota. He grew up in the same community where he later became a celebrated high school player, attending Forest Lake Area High School. Wallner developed into a two-way standout, pitching and hitting at a high level during his prep career.
During his senior season, Wallner 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. His performance drew attention from professional scouts, and the Minnesota Twins selected him in the 32nd round of the 2016 MLB draft. Wallner chose not to sign, however, opting instead to honor his college commitment.
Path to Baseball
Wallner originally committed to play college baseball at the University of North Dakota, but the school dropped its baseball program in 2016, forcing him to find a new home. He signed with the University of Southern Mississippi, where his power-hitting profile quickly emerged. In 2017, as a freshman, Wallner hit .336 with 19 home runs and 63 RBIs in 66 games, while also appearing in nine games out of the bullpen with a 1.84 ERA.
His freshman campaign earned him Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors from C-USA, Baseball America, and D1Baseball.com, along with Freshman All-American recognition. As a sophomore in 2018, Wallner batted .351 with 16 home runs and 67 RBIs in 62 games, earned a spot on the C-USA First Team, and was once again named an All-American. 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.
Matt Wallner Career
Minor League Career (2019–2022)
The Minnesota Twins selected Wallner with the 39th overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft, and he signed for $1.8 million. He 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 RBIs. He did not play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wallner returned to Cedar Rapids to begin 2021, but a right wrist injury in 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 RBIs over 68 games, then played in the Arizona Fall League for the Scottsdale Scorpions. In 2022, he was assigned to the Wichita Wind Surge of Double-A, was selected to the All-Star Futures Game, and was promoted in mid-July to the St. Paul Saints of Triple-A. Over 128 games that year, he slashed .277/.412/.541 with 27 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 32 doubles, ranking third in the minor leagues with 97 walks.
MLB Debut and Early Seasons (2022–2023)
On September 17, 2022, the Twins selected Wallner’s contract and promoted him to the major leagues. That night, he made his MLB debut and hit a solo home run off Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians for his first major league hit. Over 57 at-bats that September, Wallner hit .228 with two home runs and ten RBI, giving the Twins a glimpse of his power potential.
Wallner was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul to begin 2023 but was recalled in early April and again in May after Trevor Larnach contracted pneumonia. Over 76 games for Minnesota in 2023, Wallner batted .249 with 14 home runs and 41 RBI. He was a regular contributor in the outfield and provided middle-of-the-order pop for the Twins.
Established Big Leaguer (2024–2025)
Wallner played in 75 games for Minnesota in 2024, hitting .259 with 13 home runs and 37 RBI before an oblique strain ended his season early. He also played in 67 games for St. Paul, where he batted .259 with 19 home runs and 53 RBI, continuing to refine his approach against upper-level pitching.
Wallner opened the 2025 season as Minnesota’s starting right fielder but missed more than a month with a hamstring strain. In 104 appearances for the Twins, he batted .202/.311/.464 with 22 home runs, 40 RBI, and four stolen bases. On September 19, 2025, Wallner was placed on the injured list with a right oblique strain, ending his season prematurely.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wallner’s game is built around his right-handed power, and he has consistently produced extra-base damage at every level. He combines a patient approach at the plate with strong on-base skills, drawing walks in bunches during his minor league career. Defensively, he has been deployed primarily in the corner outfield, where his arm strength fits naturally in right field.
Notable Events and Milestones
His MLB debut home run off Shane Bieber stands as a signature moment, announcing his arrival in the major leagues. He also earned a selection to the 2022 All-Star Futures Game and set the University of Southern Mississippi’s all-time home run record with 58 career homers. Across his MLB career, Wallner has accumulated 55 home runs and 138 RBI through early 2026.
Matt Wallner Career Highlights
Wallner has built a power-hitting resume across high school, college, the minor leagues, and the major leagues. His most celebrated accomplishments include Minnesota’s Mr. Baseball award in high school, the University of Southern Mississippi’s all-time home run record, and a 39th-overall selection in the 2019 MLB draft. In the majors, he has reached double-digit home run totals in three straight seasons since his debut.
MLB Highlights
Wallner made an immediate impact in 2022 with a home run in his first major league at-bat. He posted 14 home runs in 76 games in 2023, 13 home runs in 75 games in 2024, and a career-high 22 home runs in 2025 despite an oblique injury that ended his year early. Through the early portion of 2026, he had added four more home runs before being optioned to St. Paul.
Other Performances
Wallner starred in the Southern Miss lineup for three seasons, winning multiple Freshman All-American honors and helping lead the program to national recognition. He also played in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Falmouth Commodores, a traditional summer showcase for top college talent.
Matt Wallner Family
Personal Life
Matt Wallner was raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, the same community where he starred at Forest Lake Area High School. He has maintained ties to his hometown throughout his professional career, and he is active on social media. Public details about his parents, spouse, or children have not been widely reported.
2025 Season Performance
Wallner entered 2025 as Minnesota’s everyday right fielder and looked to build on his strong finish to 2024. The season was a mix of flashes of power and stretches on the injured list, beginning with a hamstring strain that cost him more than a month. When healthy, he served as a key run-producing bat in the middle of the Twins’ order.
He finished the year with 22 home runs and 40 RBI in 104 games, slugging .464 despite a .202 batting average that reflected inconsistent contact. A right oblique strain in mid-September ended his season early and prevented him from contributing down the stretch. His power production kept him firmly in the team’s long-term plans as a corner outfielder.
