Brief Introduction of Matt Wallner
Matthew “Matt” John Wallner is a well-regarded American professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born and raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, he has garnered significant attention for his exceptional power-hitting abilities and strong throwing arm. Wallner’s journey to the major leagues was marked by a stellar collegiate career at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he became the university’s all-time home run leader. Drafted by his hometown team, the Minnesota Twins, Wallner quickly progressed through the minor league system, making his highly anticipated MLB debut in 2022. He is known for his formidable presence at the plate and has established himself as a significant player for the Twins.
Matt Wallner Overview
| Full Name | Matthew John Wallner |
| Date of Birth | December 12, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Birthplace | Forest Lake, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Outfielder |
| Famous For | Being a power-hitting outfielder for the Minnesota Twins and setting the all-time home run record at the University of Southern Mississippi. |
| Education | Forest Lake Area High School, University of Southern Mississippi |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse / Partner | Sydnie Wallner |
| Children | One daughter, Elliotte Bryn |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $1.87 million |
Early Life and Education of Matt Wallner
Matt Wallner was born on December 12, 1997, in Forest Lake, Minnesota, to his parents Maggie and John Wallner. Growing up in his hometown, he developed a passion for baseball from a young age. He attended Forest Lake Area High School, where he became a standout two-way player, excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter. His performance on the field was nothing short of dominant. In his senior year, he was named Minnesota’s “Mr. Baseball” after posting an impressive 7-1 pitching record with a 0.95 ERA, while also batting .382 with ten home runs. Initially, Wallner committed to play college baseball for the University of North Dakota. However, the university unexpectedly dropped its baseball program, forcing him to reconsider his options. After this unforeseen change, he ultimately signed with the University of Southern Mississippi to continue his academic and athletic pursuits.
Matt Wallner Career
Early Career
Wallner’s career began to take shape during his exceptional tenure at Forest Lake Area High School. His prowess on the field led to him being drafted by his hometown Minnesota Twins in the 32nd round of the 2016 MLB draft. Despite the honor of being selected, he opted to pursue a college education and further develop his skills, choosing not to sign and instead honoring his commitment to play collegiate baseball.
At the University of Southern Mississippi, Wallner’s talent immediately shone through. In his freshman year in 2017, he had a sensational season, hitting .336 with 19 home runs and 63 RBIs, setting freshman records for the university in home runs and RBIs. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including being named Freshman of the Year by Conference USA, Baseball America, and D1Baseball.com. He also received Freshman Hitter of the Year honors from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Throughout his three years with the Golden Eagles, he was a consistent offensive force, earning All-American honors in multiple seasons. He also played for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team following his sophomore season.
Breakthrough
The major turning point in Matt Wallner’s career, solidifying his status as a top prospect, was his record-breaking junior season at Southern Miss. During this time, he cemented his legacy by becoming the university’s all-time career home run leader, finishing with a total of 58 home runs. This remarkable achievement, combined with his consistent high-level performance, caught the attention of MLB scouts nationwide. His decision to attend college and hone his skills paid off when the Minnesota Twins selected him again, this time with the 39th overall pick in the Competitive Balance Round A of the 2019 MLB draft. This much higher draft position came with a signing bonus of $1.8 million, officially launching his professional career with the team he grew up cheering for.
Major Achievements and Success
After signing with the Twins, Wallner was assigned to the Elizabethton Twins of the Rookie-level Appalachian League and was later promoted to the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Following the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to the field in 2021. A significant injury, a broken hamate bone, briefly sidelined him, but he returned to finish the season. The 2022 season proved to be a banner year for Wallner in the minor leagues. Playing for the Double-A Wichita Wind Surge and the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, he had a spectacular season, batting a combined .277 with 27 home runs and 95 RBIs. His outstanding performance earned him a selection to the All-Star Futures Game and he was named the Sherry Robertson Award winner as the Twins Minor League Player of the Year.
His success in the minors led to his much-anticipated MLB debut on September 17, 2022. In his very first game, he hit a solo home run for his first major league hit, a memorable moment against the Cleveland Guardians. Since his debut, Wallner has been a recurring presence in the Twins’ lineup, known for his prodigious power and strong defensive arm in the outfield.
Recent Work / Current Status
In the most recent seasons, Matt Wallner has continued to be a key power-hitting outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. He has spent time between the major league club and the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, consistently working to refine his approach at the plate. While known for his impressive home run numbers, he has also focused on improving his batting average and reducing strikeouts. He has experienced periods of exceptional performance, earning International League Player of the Month honors during his time in Triple-A. Despite some injuries, including a hamstring strain and an oblique strain, he remains a vital part of the Twins’ long-term plans, valued for his game-changing power from the left side of the plate.
Matt Wallner Awards and Achievements
- Minnesota’s Mr. Baseball (2016)
- Conference USA Freshman of the Year (2017)
- Baseball America Freshman of the Year (2017)
- D1Baseball.com Freshman of the Year (2017)
- NCBWA Freshman Hitter of the Year (2017)
- Multiple Freshman All-American Selections (2017)
- Multiple Collegiate All-American Selections (2017, 2018)
- USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Member (2018)
- Conference USA Tournament MVP (2019)
- Southern Miss All-Time Home Run Leader (58)
- All-Star Futures Game Selection (2022)
- Sherry Robertson Award (Twins Minor League Player of the Year) (2022)
- Texas League Post-Season All-Star (2022)
- MiLB.com Organization All-Star (2022)
Matt Wallner Personal Life & Family
Matt Wallner maintains a relatively private personal life, though some details are known. He is married to his wife, Sydnie, who is an ICU nurse. The couple tied the knot in December 2023 at The Venue at Southern Oaks Farm in Mississippi. They have a daughter named Elliotte Bryn. Wallner’s parents are John and Maggie Wallner, and he grew up with his family in Forest Lake, Minnesota, where his passion for baseball was nurtured. Though he now makes his offseason home in Mississippi, he cherishes his Minnesota roots and the opportunity to play for his hometown team. During the offseason, he enjoys watching college football and lists the Minnesota Vikings as his favorite non-baseball team.
Matt Wallner Relationship Details
Matt Wallner is married to Sydnie Wallner. His wife, Sydnie, works as an ICU nurse. The couple was married in December 2023 in Mississippi. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Elliotte Bryn. The family resides in Mississippi during the baseball offseason.
Matt Wallner Net Worth and Income
While an exact net worth is difficult to pinpoint, it is estimated to be around $1.87 million. A significant portion of this comes from the $1.8 million signing bonus he received from the Minnesota Twins after the 2019 draft. His MLB salary has varied as a pre-arbitration eligible player. For the 2025 season, his salary was reported to be $770,750. As he continues his major league career, his earnings from salary and potential endorsements are expected to increase.
Matt Wallner Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet 4 inches
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Eye Color: Not publicly available
- Hair Color: Not publicly available
Matt Wallner Controversies
No major controversies have been reported involving Matt Wallner. He has maintained a professional and focused image throughout his collegiate and professional career.
Matt Wallner Social Media Presence
- Instagram – @matt_wallner
- Twitter – @Matt_Wallner
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Matt Wallner
- Matt Wallner was drafted twice by his hometown team, the Minnesota Twins – once out of high school in 2016 and again in 2019 after his college career.
- In his MLB debut on September 17, 2022, he hit a home run for his first-ever major league hit.
- He was a talented two-way player in high school and his freshman year of college, showcasing skills as both a powerful hitter and a hard-throwing pitcher.
- He holds the all-time record for career home runs at the University of Southern Mississippi with 58.
- Wallner and his wife, Sydnie, have a daughter named Elliotte Bryn.
Matt Wallner Legacy and Influence
Matt Wallner’s legacy is still being written, but his impact is already significant. He is a prime example of a modern power hitter, one who can change the course of a game with a single swing. His approach at the plate, characterized by high exit velocities and a high fly-ball rate, is emblematic of the current era of baseball that values slugging. While this approach also leads to a high number of strikeouts, his ability to draw walks and hit for immense power makes him a valuable offensive weapon. Analysts have compared his playing style to that of other notable power hitters like Joey Gallo, highlighting his potential to be a consistent home run threat at the major league level. For aspiring players, particularly in his home state of Minnesota, Wallner’s journey from a local high school star to playing for the Twins serves as an inspiration. His powerful arm in the outfield is also a major asset, making him a well-rounded player with an ability to impact the game on both offense and defense.
Final Words about Matt Wallner
Matt Wallner’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and the fulfillment of a childhood dream. From his dominant days at Forest Lake Area High School to shattering records at the University of Southern Mississippi, he has consistently demonstrated an elite level of power. His journey to the major leagues, which included being drafted twice by the Minnesota Twins, is a testament to his dedication and the high regard in which he was held by his hometown team. While he continues to navigate the challenges of being a major league hitter, his immense power and potential remain undeniable. As he continues to mature and gain experience at the highest level of baseball, Matt Wallner is poised to be a central figure in the Minnesota Twins’ lineup for years to come, with the ability to create excitement every time he steps into the batter’s box.