Have We Reached the End of the Road for Matt Wallner?

[Sam Caulder]

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Matt Wallner has always been one of the more fascinating players in the Twins organization.

The Forest Lake, Minnesota native has shown flashes of being exactly the type of hitter every team covets. He's got legitimate plus power, he can hit baseballs as hard as anybody on the roster, and when he's on, he looks like someone capable of hitting 30-plus home runs in a full season. The problem is that we've been saying the same thing for years now, and here in 2026, it feels like we're having the exact same conversation all over again.

Before being demoted to Triple-A St. Paul earlier this season, Wallner was hitting just .167 with a .259 on-base percentage and a .556 OPS. He was striking out in roughly one-third of his plate appearances, he wasn't drawing walks at his usual rate, and maybe most concerning of all, he simply wasn't hitting the ball with much authority. For a power hitter, that's kind of an important part of the job description. Wallner has simply been a very poor major league hitter this season.

Now, to be fair, things have looked better since returning to Triple-A. In 36 games with the St. Paul Saints, Wallner has collected 19 extra-base hits, driven in 35 runs and posted a .909 OPS. On the surface, those are exactly the kinds of numbers you'd want to see from someone trying to force his way back onto the major league roster. But even then, the underlying issues haven't really gone away.

His strikeout rate at Triple-A still sits at 28%. Just for some perspective, Royce Lewis—who has also battled some strikeout issues of his own—is at a 27% clip in the major leagues. That should tell you everything you need to know. The same problems that have followed Wallner for the better part of a decade are still very much present. He struggles to consistently make contact, he doesn't put enough balls in play, he isn't getting on base enough to offset the strikeouts, and defensively, he simply doesn't provide enough value to make up for those offensive shortcomings. At some point, I think it's fair to ask how long the Twins are going to keep doing the same song and dance. Because, at least in my opinion, the Matt Wallner experiment should probably be over.

Not because Wallner lacks talent–quite the opposite, actually. He's one of those players who will probably always make you believe there's another breakout just around the corner. Every time he gets hot for a couple of weeks, you're reminded why the Twins have remained patient with him for so long. Unfortunately, those stretches have always been followed by long periods where the swing-and-miss becomes overwhelming, and the production disappears. At some point, potential has to turn into consistency, and I just don't know if that's ever going to happen.

The other factor working against Wallner is the current state of the Twins organization. Between Triple-A and the major league roster, the Twins have seven legitimate left-handed-hitting corner outfield options. Along with Wallner, you’ve got Trevor Larnach, Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Alan Roden, Hendry Mendez, and Kody Clemens can slide into that role when needed. Unless there's a new rule that I'm unaware of, you can't use seven corner outfielders at once. Eventually, moves are going to have to be made. The problem for Wallner is that nearly everyone else on that list feels like a better long-term investment.

Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Mendez are three of the organization's highest-upside prospects, and all three should realistically be major league-ready sometime within the next year or so. Roden already looks like someone who could help a big league roster today, and all of this is without even mentioning Gabriel Gonzalez. The point is pretty straightforward: I have a hard time believing Wallner is part of the Twins' long-term outfield plans. And if that's true, why continue giving him opportunities that could instead be going to younger players who actually project to be part of the next competitive core?

Even if the Twins decide to move Larnach and/or Clemens before the trade deadline, Wallner still hasn't done nearly enough to show he deserves another extended opportunity in the majors. It might sound harsh, but it's the reality of the situation. Right now, Wallner feels like someone occupying a 40-man roster spot that could eventually go to a player with a much brighter future in the organization.

Nobody questions Wallner's effort, and it's always fun seeing a Minnesota kid get an opportunity with his hometown team. You want stories like that to work, and you want players like Wallner to figure it out. Like I said earlier–we've all seen what he looks like when everything clicks. The power is real, the raw talent is real. If he could make more consistent contact, we'd probably be having a completely different conversation. But after years of waiting for that adjustment to happen, it just hasn't.

The highs have never lasted long enough, and the lows have remained far too frequent. At this point, I'm not even sure what kind of trade value he would have around the league. Teams know exactly what Wallner is. They see the power, but they also see everything else: the strikeouts, not getting on base, and the defensive limitations. Maybe another organization believes it can unlock something the Twins couldn't, but if that opportunity isn't there, a DFA honestly feels like the most likely outcome.

I don't take any pride in saying that; I was hoping years ago that Wallner would become a fixture in the Twins' lineup. But it feels like we've reached the point where it's time for both sides to move on. Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what a player needs, and sometimes an organization has to accept that it's time to turn the page. As unfortunate as it is, it really feels like we've reached the end of the road for Matt Wallner.

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What do you think? Is it time to turn the page? Or will Wallner become the next David Ortiz? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

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[DJL44]

Keaschall is an outfielder now, which means one fewer spot. They put Fedko on the 40-man roster as well.

 

[CRF]

I believe so. 

[stringer bell]

The adjustments he attempted in the offseason didn't translate to success. He is beaten 90+% of the time by well-placed fastballs and that doesn't preduct the kind of success that other guys have had who struggled. The power is legit, just like Miguel Sano, but if he can be easily pitched to, he's only going to hit mistakes. I was disappointed with his play in the field, as well.

[D.C Twins]

He is a future star.... overseas 

[Whitey333]

I generally agree with your assessment of Wallner.  The same could be said of Royce  lewis.  And Jenkins, Gonzales, Mendez, are certainly not guarantees of major league success.  The only thing they have shown so far is how to land on the injury list.  It's time, pat time, to see if they can play major league baseball.  Lewis should also be on a very short lease.  The organization has been very patient with him as well.  They have also been patient with Buxton who took nearly a decade to play full time and produce.  It is time though for Wallner to put up.  I can easily see where both Wallner and Lewis tenure with the Twins may be coming to an end.

[Jeff K]

Bell has to be traded at the deadline for their to be even a whiff of a chance.  The Twins need athletes who can be valuable defensively as well as hit.  

[tony&rodney]

Matt Wallner can still possibly carve out a career as a DH. He simply cannot play in the outfield, at all. If anyone questions the finality of that statement, watch him play five games.

[Heiny]

I hate to say it, but he feels like a poor man's Joey Gallo.  And I wasn't impressed with the rich man's Joey Gallo.  At least Gallo had some defensive value.  Loved seeing his monster homers, but the disappointments were far more frequent.  Should be able to get a low level lottery ticket for him, but if not he should probably be DFA'd.

[Sjoski]

Going Going Gone....just like an empty bases bomb. 

[bean5302]

The Twins are among the worst teams in baseball when it comes to Right Field production this year. Wallner's been raking since his first 5 ice cold games over in St. Paul He owns a 25.8% K rate in AAA. His bat is his calling card, and he's only had a handful of games with a cumulative OPS under 1.000 since May 21st.

A big problem is he hasn't been willing to work on his defensive value, and it's been so bad he's an obvious burden on the team if his bat isn't hot.

It's clear the Twins consider Wallner MiLB roster filler at this point, but it's equally clear this front office is cowardly after having screwed up so many times so they're unwilling to move Wallner as well.

[terrydactyls]

I can picture an outfield of Wallner in left, Gallo in center, and Sano in right. And they would hit third, fourth, and fifth.  And now I feel ill and need to use the bathroom.  😝

[S Bart]

Good article. It is tough, since he is a local. I still miss Varland. My thoughts turned to Miranda,  who remains in the minors with the Padres. I am waiting for Lewis to fully prove himself also. 

[S Bart]

19 minutes ago, Jeff K said:

Bell has to be traded at the deadline for their to be even a whiff of a chance.  The Twins need athletes who can be valuable defensively as well as hit.  

His hitting has won many games and he sits at 59 RBIs. I do not see that much of a difference between him and Lewis at first. 

[Jeff K]

4 minutes ago, S Bart said:

His hitting has won many games and he sits at 59 RBIs. I do not see that much of a difference between him and Lewis at first. 

I'm commenting on Wallner.  Bell is killing it with his bat and earning his pay.  He should not be on first base.  Lewis is learning the position but has a chance to be good there.  I'm enjoying what Bell brings to the table.

[S Bart]

The all star game and the trade deadline  are rapidly approaching. Bell, Ryan, Larnach, Clemens have shown value as candidates. I just hate to see some of them depart but they will require more $ next year as their value will increase.  

 

[S Bart]

14 minutes ago, Jeff K said:

I'm commenting on Wallner.  Bell is killing it with his bat and earning his pay.  He should not be on first base.  Lewis is learning the position but has a chance to be good there.  I'm enjoying what Bell brings to the table.

Well...reread your comment, it related to Bell being traded and stated nothing about Wallner. I like Lewis as a cheerleader and hope he improves. ...just feel a 212 hitter "learning" a position mid-season may be unwise for a professional baseball team. I also do not see much of a difference defensively between the two. 

[HarmonK03]

31 minutes ago, S Bart said:

His hitting has won many games and he sits at 59 RBIs. I do not see that much of a difference between him and Lewis at first. 

Have you seen Bell play in the field.  There is a reason they won't let him pick up a glove.  He is an absolute butcher there and can't throw.

[S Bart]

12 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

Have you seen Bell play in the field.  There is a reason they won't let him pick up a glove.  He is an absolute butcher there and can't throw.

Lewis is not much different...

[HarmonK03]

3 minutes ago, S Bart said:

Lewis is not much different...

First you are seriously going to compare someone who has played 20 games at a position to one who has played over 900 games at the same position.  The irrational dislike for Lewis on this board is really getting to be something.  He was moved to a new position mid-season without complaint which many have said he wouldn't do and has actually looked pretty good over there.  The big things he needs is time and reps over there.  Right now there is no question who should be there defensively.

[Eris]

57 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

A big problem is he hasn't been willing to work on his defensive value,

There is a difference between not willing (lack of effort or poor attitude) and not able (puts in effort but the results are just not enough). 

[HrbieFan]

1 hour ago, Sjoski said:

Going Going Gone....just like an empty bases bomb. 

Otherwise known as a Buxton bomb!

[DJL44]

27 minutes ago, S Bart said:

Lewis is not much different...

I’ve already watched Lewis make five plays at first base that Bell can’t make and it’s only been a couple weeks.

[Seth Stohs]

I wouldn't trade him unless you get an upside guy for the future.
I certainly wouldn't DFA him. 
Frustrating at times? Sure.
But can carry a time at times too. 

[rdehring]

My question if he continues hitting well for the Saints next week.  Do you keep him in St. Paul or bring him back hoping he will hit several home runs for the Twins for a week or two.  If the goal is trading him alone or as part of a package, which is better?  And in my opinion, that should be the goal.

[Road trip]

There are several playoff contending teams that have negative WAR at DH.  I suspect someone will offer a minor leaguer for Wallner by the end of the month.  He needs a fresh start elsewhere and the Twins can pick up a lower level pitching suspect/prospect.  Wallner might be done, or with new coaching and a new environment he might regain his former ability to hit a fastball and become the next Brent Rooker.

[Old Twins Hat]

He's got a hole in his swing, fastball up and inside.  The Twins know it, the league knows it -- there's simply not much that can be done.  And, where can you play him in the field?

Luckily there's a half dozen more LH outfielders in the Twins system ready to give MLB a shot.

Hitting is hard;  the best get a hit every third time up.

Not wanting to cap on Matt but selling insurance is a lot easier.

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

I was a big fan of Wallner. As with a lot of power hitters, he would have the highs and lows. Unfortunately for Wallner, his highs became shorter and the lows lasted far too long. To make matters worse, his defense became unplayable. His arm used to make up for a lack of range, but that is no longer the case. 

If he could find some consistency, he may be able to DH somewhere. He can still hit the ball a long ways when he gets ahold of one. But as things currently stand, our MLB team already has way too many DH only type guys, making it difficult for him to even get another chance here. Change of scenery may be best to see if someone can unlock some consistency from him. Its too bad it couldn't have been here. 

[Coach Wheels]

32 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I’ve already watched Lewis make five plays at first base that Bell can’t make and it’s only been a couple weeks.

Every time I watch Lewis at 1st base I'm reminded of the movie Moneyball and Billy Beane recruiting Hatteberg to play 1st base for the A's. 

https://youtu.be/GzTsGdY_vFo?is=7A3VFtNMJsGpW2Xm

[Linus]

46 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I’ve already watched Lewis make five plays at first base that Bell can’t make and it’s only been a couple weeks.

Not to mention several throws.