Matt Wallner

Matthew John 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. 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.

Early Life and Background

Matthew Wallner was born on December 12, 1997, in Forest Lake, Minnesota. He attended Forest Lake Area High School, where he excelled in baseball, earning the title of Minnesota’s Mr. Baseball during his senior year. His impressive performance included a 7-1 pitching record with a 0.95 ERA and a batting average of .382, complemented by ten home runs. Initially, Wallner committed to play college baseball at the University of North Dakota, but after the program was discontinued in 2016, he chose to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. Wallner’s high school achievements set the stage for his collegiate career. After graduating, he was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 32nd round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft but opted not to sign, instead honoring his commitment to Southern Mississippi. During his freshman year at the university, he made a significant impact by hitting .336 with 19 home runs and 63 RBIs, earning multiple accolades, including Conference USA Freshman of the Year.

Path to Baseball

Wallner’s journey in baseball began in earnest at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he continued to build on his high school success. In his sophomore year, he batted .351 with 16 home runs and 67 RBIs, further solidifying his reputation as a top player. His performance earned him a spot on the Conference USA First Team and recognition as an All-American by various publications. Wallner also represented the United States as a member of the Collegiate National Team and participated in the Cape Cod Baseball League. By the time he entered his junior year, Wallner was recognized as a preseason All-American by several baseball publications. He capped off his collegiate career by becoming Southern Mississippi’s all-time home run leader with 58 home runs. His impressive collegiate statistics and accolades paved the way for his selection in the 2019 MLB draft.

Matthew John Wallner Career

Early Career (2019-2021)

The Minnesota Twins selected Matthew Wallner with the 39th overall pick in the 2019 Major League Baseball draft, signing him for $1.8 million. He began his professional career with the Elizabethton Twins in the Rookie-level Appalachian League, where he demonstrated his potential by slashing .258/.357/.452 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs over 65 games. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 minor league season, delaying his development. In 2021, Wallner returned to the Cedar Rapids Kernels, where he faced challenges due to a wrist injury that required surgery. Despite this setback, he managed to post a solid .265 batting average with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs over 68 games. His performance earned him a selection to play in the Arizona Fall League, showcasing his talent to a broader audience.

Breakthrough (2022-Present)

Wallner’s breakthrough came on September 17, 2022, when he was called up to the major leagues by the Minnesota Twins. He made an immediate impact, hitting a solo home run off Shane Bieber in his MLB debut, marking a memorable start to his professional career. In 2022, he played 57 games for the Twins, finishing the season with a batting average of .228, two home runs, and ten RBIs. In the 2023 season, Wallner continued to develop as a player, appearing in 76 games and improving his statistics to a .249 batting average with 14 home runs and 41 RBIs. His performance in the minor leagues was also noteworthy, as he batted .291 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs across 67 games with the St. Paul Saints. In 2024, he played 75 games for the Twins, hitting .259 with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs. As of the 2025 season, Wallner opened as the starting right fielder for the Minnesota Twins. Despite facing some injury challenges, he managed to achieve a batting line of .202/.311/.464 with 22 home runs and 40 RBIs in 104 appearances.

Notable Works and Milestones

Matthew Wallner’s signature achievement thus far includes becoming the all-time home run leader at the University of Southern Mississippi. His transition to Major League Baseball has been marked by significant milestones, including a memorable debut and consistent contributions to the Twins’ lineup.

Matthew John Wallner Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Matthew Wallner has received various accolades, particularly during his collegiate years, where he was recognized as an All-American and earned multiple conference honors.

Matthew John Wallner Awards Won

Matthew Wallner has achieved notable recognition during his baseball career, including being named Minnesota’s Mr. Baseball in high school and earning Freshman of the Year honors during his collegiate career.