Matt Wallner Reflects on His Massive 2022

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins were snakebit at times this season, and that led to a need for reinforcements to step in. Unfortunately much of the Opening Day roster remained in flux, but that allowed ample opportunity for prospects to make their mark. A special debut came from a Minnesota kid, and it’s now an opportune time to look back at what a special 2022 it was for Matt Wallner.

 

Image courtesy of Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports

Starting at Double-A Wichita this season, Matt Wallner came out focused on altering his approach at the plate. This is a prospect with a ton of power, but he had previously shown a need to improve his plate discipline. Knowing that he needed to make more contact and be more selective when attempting to do damage, he came in with a renewed focus.

Wallner blitzed the Twins minor league system this season, making Double-A look like little challenge, and then easily settling in at Triple-A following a short acclimation period. Twins Daily named him the Minor League Hitter of the Year. I talked to Wallner over the summer about his season to that point, but after making a three-week cameo in September for the Minnesota Twins, it was time to get some insight as to how he looks back on it all.

Twins Daily: We talked earlier this year about your shift in approach at the plate, looking for pitches you could do damage on. How did you keep up with the strong OBP and K/BB progress at Triple-A?

Matt Wallner: I felt like I was able to continue developing in that area at Triple-A, and felt good about my continued progress on that front.

TD: You saw a bit more of a challenge in St. Paul, how did that position you for success in the big leagues?

MW: It was more of the same with obviously more experienced players in St. Paul. Seeing how I would get pitched by older guys there gave me a step in the door for the continued move up to the big leagues. 

 

TD: What were some of the emotions surrounding your debut? Your first hit was a homer, obviously, that’s huge. What will you remember from that day?

MW: It was an awesome day, was fun, and very nice to get that first one out of the way. Most importantly, I was just happy my family could be there watching and able to see my first game in person. 

TD: Going into the offseason, will you have a different focus or emphasis on training and preparation having seen the highest level?

MW: More of the same in training, trying to keep building my game and hopefully come in as healthy and fit as I ever have been going into Spring Training 2023.  

TD: Fast forward to a year from now, how do you want 2023 to be defined?

MW: Hopefully 2023 is one where I continue to make improvements in my game, and hopefully, I put myself in a position where most, if not all of that time, is at the big league level.

TD: Last one, what are you looking forward to this offseason off of the diamond?

MW: Looking forward to some time off, and recovery from my first fully healthy full season of pro ball.

No matter where Matt Wallner starts out in 2023, you can bet he'll factor into an outfield that includes Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, Trevor Larnach, and Alex Kirilloff for the Minnesota Twins. Some of those names may move, but Wallner has shown he definitely can play at the highest level.

For more Matt Wallner Twins Daily content, click here. 

 

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[AceWrigley]

Already the best major league player from Forest Lake. ?

[Blyleven2011]

Wallner noted  :  Keep working on his hitting approach , not one mention improving his defense,  which needs improvement  ...

Congratulations to wallner for his September  call up  and hope it continues  ...

[Dave The Dastardly]

Now that the Twins are Cave-less, Wallner has a better chance of playing in the Bigs next year. What's the old saying about one door opening when another closes?

[Doctor Gast]

You forgot to mention Gordon & Celestino, who are much better overall than him. Yet because of ?s surrounding Larnach & Kiriloff & Kiriloff's ability to play 1B or a Kepler trade, that is where his ABs will come

[tony&rodney]

Wallner had a terrific year and his ability to adapt to each level was critical in his success. He will need to continue his growth at the plate going forward and it seems like he has the bat speed and quickness to adapt. He does, however, need to make a significant leap in the outfield. Wallner seems athletic enough to succeed on the grass. He needs a ton of repetitions to improve reactions, routes, and flexibility. I think he can improve with a couple of thousand hit his way this winter. Wallner needs to get a place in Arizona or Florida (Ft.Myers ?) and  have someone hit 200-300 balls his way four days a week for ten weeks. The upside is there. Congratulations to Matt Wallner on making his MLB debut. Now he needs a little polish.

[Doctor Gast]

1 hour ago, Dave The Dastardly said:

Now that the Twins are Cave-less, Wallner has a better chance of playing in the Bigs next year. What's the old saying about one door opening when another closes?

Sorry to see Cave go, he provided some quality depth when we needed it. Palacios is also gone, he's our top SS after Correa opts out and before Lewis is ready, that's hurts. DET picked him up, believing his bat will catch up to his glove & rightly so. His absense will hurt more right now. They probably thought they could sneak him by but with DET, not likely.

[rv78]

Can't say any of the 3 they lost yesterday: Cave, Hamilton or Palacios will be missed. If so then the FO did nothing to improve the club over the winter. Ya gotta quit hanging onto players that don't perform if you want to get better. 

As for Wallner, the door has been opened. If he doesn't end up being a Clone of Max Kepler offensively he has a chance. My first impression was that he looks pull and HR happy. Hope I'm wrong.

[RpR]

Wallner's "massive" 2022 is a LOT more than slightly exaggerated.

He showed some potential but he belongs in AAA where whether or not he is all show, no go will be exposed.

As I wrote in another thread, IF, IF he makes the effort Judge did to improve, he has a very, very bright future; if not he could be another Rooker/Badoo type.

I watched Cave in some of the clips from his time in the Saints; he always had a good attitude and showed he loved the game; time will tell if with Baltimore he can return to the level of play he had his first year with the Twins.

I  personally think there is something in the Twins management that has/can harm players abilities.

[Whitey333]

Wallner is a nice story for a team that needs more of them.  But where "massive season" came from is strange.  His ascension through the minors to the Twins in such quick fashion is a great accomplishment.  His time with the Twins wasn't massive, just average.  But I like his potential.  It's sad though that statistically the bar has been lowered so much by the Twins and us fans.  I hope Wallner makes the team next year and does great.  The current set of blah, underperforming, overrated, and down right boring group needs a big upgrade.