Twins make telling decision on struggling .551 OPS outfielder

Twins make telling decision on struggling .551 OPS outfielder originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota Twins are making a notable roster change involving the outfield.

On Thursday, the AL Central club optioned Matt Wallner to Triple-A. The 28-year-old hit four home runs and struck out 53 times in 135 trips to the plate to start the season.

"It’s the first time in more than two years that Wallner has been optioned," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors wrote. "He’s been Minnesota’s Opening Day right fielder in each of the past two seasons and has handled the lion’s share of the playing time at the position along the way (though he’s frequently been platooned). Wallner has 70-grade power from the left side of the plate, but strikes out far too frequently to take full advantage of it."

Wallner's .551 OPS was a far cry from what the Twins are looking for. The left-handed hitter connected for 22 home runs in 104 games in 2025.

"Given that he’d be out of minor league options in an organization with several high-end corner outfield prospects on the horizon, Wallner’s standing within his hometown organization appears to be very much on the line," Adams added.