Promotional Problem: Matt Wallner, Alan Roden, and Walker Jenkins Nearing Target Field

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of Indianapolis Indians

The Minnesota Twins continue to find ways to score runs, regardless of who is in the lineup. A road trip that featured a sweep of the Texas Rangers and a series victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks showcased the depth of an offense that has become one of baseball's best.

Entering Monday's action (a disappointing 2-1 loss, but just one game, after all), Minnesota ranked sixth in Major League Baseball in runs scored. Among American League clubs, only the New York Yankees had crossed home plate more often, and they were only ahead of the Twins by one run. The Twins aren't searching for answers offensively, but that doesn't mean there aren't reinforcements waiting in St. Paul.

With several left-handed outfielders producing at an impressive rate, the organization may soon have difficult roster decisions to make.

Matt Wallner is Demanding Attention

Few hitters in Triple-A have been as productive over the last month as Wallner. After struggling through a disappointing spring that resulted in a demotion following a .554 OPS in 34 games with Minnesota, Wallner initially needed some time to regain his footing with the Saints. Once he found his rhythm, however, the results became impossible to ignore.

Since May 31, Wallner has launched 11 home runs in just 18 games. His June numbers have been particularly eye-opening, with a slugging percentage north of .800 and an OPS above 1.200. Those are the types of numbers that suggest a player has little left to prove at the Triple-A level.

The challenge for Wallner has never been Triple-A pitching. He owns elite raw power and already carries a career 118 OPS+ in the major leagues. The bigger question is whether additional Triple-A at-bats can help him make the adjustments necessary to handle the consistent quality of major-league pitching, and the answer remains beyond our reach right now.

Even if the developmental benefits are limited, confidence matters. Wallner appears to have rediscovered his offensive identity, and that could be valuable whenever the Twins decide it's time for another opportunity. Given his track record and recent production, it feels more like a matter of when than if he returns to Target Field.

Alan Roden is Forcing His Way into the Conversation

While Wallner's power surge has grabbed headlines, Roden may be the most intriguing promotion candidate at Triple-A. Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in last season's Louis Varland trade, Roden spent much of this year sidelined by a shoulder injury. Since returning to action, he has looked completely healthy.

Over his first four games back, Roden collected 10 hits in 18 at-bats while blasting four home runs. On Monday, he was named the International League Player of the Week. It's the latest reminder that Triple-A pitching has rarely challenged him. Across his career at the level, Roden owns a .951 OPS and has consistently demonstrated an advanced offensive approach.

The unanswered question is whether that production can translate to the highest level. Roden has accumulated only 153 major-league plate appearances between Toronto and Minnesota, hardly enough time to make a definitive evaluation and one argument for giving him a shot before Wallner. Wallner has already gotten lots of chances to prove his upside and show his warts in the bigs; Roden still hasn't had the chance to fully demonstrate either.

His profile could fit a need on the current roster. Roden's left-handed bat would bring additional balance to an outfield group that has leaned heavily right-handed, with Trevor Larnach being the lone lefty. A promotion would likely come at the expense of a player such as Kyler Fedko or Austin Martin, and neither decision would be simple. Fedko, in particular, deserves additional opportunities after waiting years for his first major-league chance. Still, Roden is making a strong case for an extended look. He's also a much better defender than Wallner, which will enter the equation as the two continue to push for their chances.

Walker Jenkins Could Change the Equation

No prospect in the organization carries more long-term significance than Jenkins. The Twins' top prospect is nearing the end of his recovery from a left shoulder sprain and has already begun reminding everyone why he remains one of baseball's premier young talents. During a recent rehab assignment with High-A Cedar Rapids, Jenkins immediately launched a first-inning home run and followed a four-hit performance from earlier in the week with another display of impact power.

When healthy, Jenkins possesses the combination of bat speed, strike-zone awareness, and power that can make life miserable for opposing pitchers. Few prospects in baseball can match his ceiling.

His 2026 season has already featured more adversity than expected. A hamstring strain interrupted his spring buildup, and he opened the year slowly with Triple-A St. Paul before finding his groove. Over his final 16 games before suffering the shoulder injury, Jenkins slashed .295/.419/.475 and looked increasingly comfortable against advanced pitching. The injury itself was another example of Jenkins' aggressive style of play. His willingness to sacrifice his body for every play has become both one of his greatest strengths and one of the biggest challenges of his young career. If he returns to St. Paul and quickly resumes his previous form, conversations about a major-league promotion may accelerate rapidly.

A Good Problem for Minnesota to Have

What should encourage the organization even more than their encouraging scoring clip is the quality of the reinforcements waiting nearby. Wallner is crushing Triple-A pitching. Roden is making up for lost time after returning from injury. Jenkins remains one of the most talented prospects in baseball and appears close to returning to full strength. The Twins may not need to make a move today, but they have several attractive options if they decide another offensive boost is necessary. Few contenders can match the kind of left-handed outfield depth currently waiting just down I-94.

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Who should be the team’s next call-up? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[DJL44]

Call up Roden now and give him 5 starts a week in the outfield. If he thrives it makes it even easier to trade Larnach.

[Twins GFP]

49 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Call up Roden now and give him 5 starts a week in the outfield. If he thrives it makes it even easier to trade Larnach.

So bench Larnach and his 122 OPS+?

If they are going to trade Larnach, then trade him. You can't bench him. He has earned his playing time so far this year.

[mnfireman]

48 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Call up Roden now and give him 5 starts a week in the outfield. If he thrives it makes it even easier to trade Larnach.

To recall any of them would mean sending down one or both of Martin and Fedko, though Gray could be sent down also. None of the three are hitting in June, and, according to Fan Graphs, all three have options remaining.

It would also mean putting Clemens back into his bench/utility role, which would probably help him as it looks like his hot streak is over; .196/.246/.348 (.593 OPS) over his last 11 games.

[thelanges5]

Roden above Wallner in my opinion. Wallner still has too many Ks and is not as good defensively. Jenkins has played about 50 games now at AAA but I’d like to see him stay healthy for a good stretch. I’d bet he comes up after the All-Star break or trade deadline.

[Jacksson]

Leave Wallner BURIED at AAA until AFTER whatever fallout takes place following the team's trade deadline activity. 

Leave Jenkins at AAA and off the 40 man roster at least until the 2027 season. 

Austin Martin is lost at the plate and in the outfield so option him out to work on his batting and fielding issues.  Leave him at AAA until AFTER whatever fallout takes place following the team's trade deadline activity .  Bring up Roden and give Fedko a REAL CHANCE to make an impression.

So simple a child could do it.  But can Zoll and Pohlad elevate their brains to that level?

 

 

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

What's the saying - fool me once, shame on you - fool me twice, shame on me...

What happens the third time?

The Twins shouldn't trust Wallner. We've seen this movie before. I wouldn't mind seeing what Roden can do especially with Martin falling off a cliff. As for Jenkins, can't wait until he's up with the Twins but I would be surprised if he's in the conversation right now - maybe that changes next month or after the trade deadline.

[greglw333]

I’m not sure, from watching Saints games, reading, etc. that Wallner is ready for MLB pitching.

I see Alan Roden as ready now for a full shot.

And I would love to see Walker Jenkins up soon as well, pending AAA performance.

I also think Hendry Mendez and his .330 Saints average would warrant a look ahead of Wallner, who has clearly failed the last 2 years at the MLB level. I’m not picking up much different in his swing approach, maybe a slight more willingness to take base hits when they’re there?

I agree, Clemens could go back to reserve if Roden, Jenkins, Culpepper, Mendez or even Wallner succeeds. He’s a very streaky hitter where I think Roden, Jenkins and Mendez have a chance to be more consistent players.

Martin could platoon with Roden or Jenkins at first to give them a better chance at initial success.

I like Gray, but realistically he should not block the level of talent we’re talking about.

Get as many as possible up now and they may be above .500 at trade deadline and could add, put Sir Tom to the test! He owes it to the new coaching staff, Jeremy Zoll, Shelty, Byron Buxton, even Joe Ryan who they should absolutely keep.

[Patzky]

45 minutes ago, Twins GFP said:

So bench Larnach and his 122 OPS+?

If they are going to trade Larnach, then trade him. You can't bench him. He has earned his playing time so far this year.

Still puzzled that he got PH for by Martin so early last night. Honestly, an in-game trade crossed my mind.

[Patzky]

13 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

What's the saying - fool me once, shame on you - fool me twice, shame on me...

What happens the third time?

The Twins shouldn't trust Wallner. We've seen this movie before. I wouldn't mind seeing what Roden can do especially with Martin falling off a cliff. As for Jenkins, can't wait until he's up with the Twins but I would be surprised if he's in the conversation right now - maybe that changes next month or after the trade deadline.

I would be more comfortable with Wallner returning if we didn't have to play him somewhere on defense. Platooning him and Josh Bell seems silly.

[4twinsJA]

Options for RH batters/LH batters a little out of balance presently. Can bat 9 RH bats against a LH pitcher with another RH bat on bench. Can only bat 6 LH batters against a RH pitcher- 3 of those switch hitters. I would like to see what Fedko can do, so my choice would be to send Martin to AAA and promote a LH bat. I prefer Rhoden at this time, Bell has heated up hitting, not may ABs for Wallner at DH and Wallner's defense has not improved at AAA. Move Clemens back to more of a utility player getting playing time at 1B, 2B, RF, CF against RH pitching. Gray presently safe, waiting for Culpepper to get healthy and some time at AAA to get timing back. I have no problem keeping Jenkins at AAA rest of year.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

40 minutes ago, Jacksson said:

Leave Wallner BURIED at AAA until AFTER whatever fallout takes place following the team's trade deadline activity. 

Leave Jenkins at AAA and off the 40 man roster at least until the 2027 season. 

Austin Martin is lost at the plate and in the outfield so option him out to work on his batting and fielding issues.  Leave him at AAA until AFTER whatever fallout takes place following the team's trade deadline activity .  Bring up Roden and give Fedko a REAL CHANCE to make an impression.

So simple a child could do it.  But can Zoll and Pohlad elevate their brains to that level?

 

 

You seem awfully sure without providing any support for your assertions.

why should Zoll follow your advice over the team of scouts and analysts at his disposal?

[Blyleven2011]

When the promotions happen let's give roden the chance  , I'm still not comfortable with wallners hot hitting in June,  look at his multiple strikeouts per game  , wallner needs alot more reps before hes a third time charm ..

Jenkins coukd be activated after the deadline  ... 

 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

17 minutes ago, Patzky said:

I would be more comfortable with Wallner returning if we didn't have to play him somewhere on defense. Platooning him and Josh Bell seems silly.

Agreed, Bell and Wallner are superfluous to each other 

Bell’s career 111 wRC+ vs Wallner’s 122 career wRC+? If Wallner’s stint in AAA cured what ailed him, I’d go with the 28 year old Wallner who’s down year last year was Bell’s career.

[Cory Engelhardt]

Add me in the camp that Wallner with both his level of defense and his k’s that are still happening, is 3rd on the list of the 3 you mentioned. I’d even argue fairly distant at this point.

The other 2 coming up at some point, yes please.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, mnfireman said:

To recall any of them would mean sending down one or both of Martin and Fedko, though Gray could be sent down also. None of the three are hitting in June, and, according to Fan Graphs, all three have options remaining.

It would also mean putting Clemens back into his bench/utility role, which would probably help him as it looks like his hot streak is over; .196/.246/.348 (.593 OPS) over his last 11 games.

Exactly. Send Fedko back to AAA. Move Kody Clemens back to a utility role.

[tony&rodney]

Wallner in right field at Target Field would be a big setback to the pitching staff; can't do it. 

Unless Austin Martin continues to drift off into obscurity, I doubt any moves are made in the outfield for a couple of weeks. I'm ready to see Walker Jenkins if the Twins feel he is ready. 

[Danchat]

Pretty crazy how inflated AAA hitting stats are. Walker Jenkins' .785 OPS looks rough compared to the rest of this crew. I know it's not a popular take, but I wouldn't mind if we don't see him in the majors this year.

For even as hot as Wallner is, Roden still has 150 OPS points over him and is striking out a lot less often. Add in Wallner's defense which I doubt has gotten better, and I don't see why you'd take Wallner over Roden. I'm sure if called up Wallner would hit more HRs, but the Ks are always gonna be a problem.

Mendez is raking too, from what I've seen, I'm not convinced he is a major league caliber outfielder. It might be wise to give him reps at 1B over Sabato, who is hitting well too but still is very unlikely to be a major league caliber bat (he's gonna strikeout all the time). I'm interested to see Gonzalez splitting his reps evenly between LF, RF, and 1B, but he just hasn't hit well this year compared to what the rest of AAA hitters are doing even with his recent hot streak.

[farmerguychris]

Other than being our top prospect, what has Jenkins done to deserve a promotion over anyone else at AAA.  Let him continue to develop and learn to stay healthy this season.

[bean5302]

Martin should be shipped to AAA and call up Roden. There's nothing left to prove in AAA for Roden, and Martin has proven everything he needs to prove at the MLB level.

Larnach, Bell and Wallner occupy the same role. Imposter position player who is really a left handed DH. Bell is a switch hitter in name only just like Wallner and Larnach are corner outfielders in name only. Bell's a league average hitting DH from the right side of the plate over the course of his career, and he's certainly not better today than he was in his prime. At least one of Bell or Larnach honestly need to go before there's space for Wallner at this point.

Roden, Buxton, Clemens should be the every day outfield unless Roden proves he's AAAA after another 150-200 PA.

[LA Vikes Fan]

2 hours ago, mnfireman said:

To recall any of them would mean sending down one or both of Martin and Fedko, though Gray could be sent down also. None of the three are hitting in June, and, according to Fan Graphs, all three have options remaining.

It would also mean putting Clemens back into his bench/utility role, which would probably help him as it looks like his hot streak is over; .196/.246/.348 (.593 OPS) over his last 11 games.

I think this makes the most sense. I would send down Gray rather than Fedko. I would keep up Martin since he did have a good start to the season and showed last year he can hit major-league pitching, but I do see an argument for sending Martin down for a "reset". Still, Martin is a very good defensive outfielder in the corners and has hit in the past, something neither Gray or Fedko has really done at the major-league level.  I question whether Fedko is a major-league player and I don't think he's going to get enough at bats on this team to find out unless we force the issue. His best chance of getting a real tryout is if we fall out of contention and trade somebody. Otherwise, Fedko may be more the kind of guy you throw in on the trade to get somebody else from another team but he needs to get playing time for us to find that out.

Playing time should not be a problem if we replace Gray with Roden. We all tend to think about one guy per position but the reality is that basically you need at least 12 guys for the eight positions plus DH and all 12 should get fairly regular playing time -  9 regulars, 1 utility outfielder, 1 utility infielder, and a second catcher. I think you call up Roden and he gets regular time (4-5 days a week) in right field with LF a Larnach/Martin platoon. Clemens can play 4 to 5 days a week by being a super utility IF playing 2 to 3 days a week split between 1B and 2B, at least one day in CF, and another at 3B or this 5th day can be another day of Clemens at 1B with Lewis at 3B. Lee becomes the backup SS and Kreidler plays a lot. Clemens can get another day in the corner outfield on the days Roden sits. Martin and Fedko essentially become the 4th/5th OFs as shortside platoon players in the corners against LH starters and also as late inning defensive replacements/pinch-hitters/pinch runners. The DH spot is open a day or two a week when Bell sits (he never goes in the field). This way the "regulars" play five days a week, everybody gets an extra day off to stay fresh, we can handle the 7 game weeks with guys who have been playing some, and we actually have some pinch-hitting bats available. 

Wallner is tougher because he's such a poor outfielder but he's had hitting success in the past. I really think he's going to have to wait until there is either an injury or Bell is traded to open up the daily DH position. It's a real conundrum because I think we really have to see this year whether Wallner can be part of the long-term plan since we know Bell is not, and it's hard to see that if he doesn't get up and get regular at bats. He also can't hit left-handed pitching so he's not really a complete replacement for Bell and we don't really have a right-handed hitter that can be the DH against left-handed pitching unless we take some risk and give Jackson that role or give it to Martin or Fedko. Wallner's situation really got worse because Larnach has played so well this year that he's made a good case as a slightly better than average starting MLB OF. At this point, there just is no room at the Inn for Wallner in the outfield.

So bottom line is I would get Roden up and get him up now at the expense of Gray. Gray said he was planning on retiring if he didn't make the team out of spring training so he may retire but if he does his utility infielder at AAA role goes to Arcia if we need to call someone up for injury help. More likely, the next move is Culppeper forces his way up at the expense of whichever one of Martin and Fedko gives us the least value, i.e., whichever one hits gets to stay. 

[Linus]

Ahhh….the mythical log jam. Like Sasquatch and Bigfoot frequently discussed but never seen. Roden should come up immediately and Martin goes to St Paul. Fedko gets a look against lefties. 
Wallner comes back to DH when they have a Bell resolution. I would confiscate all of Wallners gloves as he should never step foot in the outfield again. Jenkins needs to get back and put up some good numbers in AAA before I worry about him. He may not see the show until next year. And of course there is likely an injury in the next month which will make all of this a moot point.