It's always a little extra special when the non-stars of a team are recognized. These are the type of players who grind it out every day, and though they aren't MVP contenders, they help make a positive difference on the field.
MLB.com released their All-Underrated Team for the 2026 season and listed a pair of Minnesota Twins hitters who do not normally garner headlines. Ryan Jeffers (catcher) and Matt Wallner (right field) were justifiably placed on the list of underrated players for the upcoming campaign.
Ryan Jeffers, Matt Wallner represent Minnesota Twins on MLB.com's 2026 All-Underrated Team
Ryan Jeffers
The career Twin saw a dip in the home run department in 2025, but he still managed to hand in an OPS+ over 100 for the third consecutive season. Jeffers has also amassed a 6.5 bWAR over the last three seasons — a more than solid rate of production for the Twins' fifth or sixth best hitter.
Jeffers' .356 OBP is impressive for catchers, and his walk rate is his greatest weapon on offense. That'll play for us, and we can expect him to do much of the same in 2026 as Minnesota's every day catcher.
Matt Wallner
Wallner hits the ball very hard. Yes, he strikes out at an alarming rate, but when he makes contact, it's something special. He flexed 41 extra-base hits, including 22 homes runs across 104 games. Wallner also drew 46 walks, so this two-result approach for him bodes well in this lineup. Just don't expect too much more from him.
MATT WALLNER SILENCES THE ROGERS CENTRE WITH A GO-AHEAD THREE-RUN BLAST IN THE NINTH pic.twitter.com/WCcnlugWKU
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 27, 2025
Wallner also has an elite arm out there in a corner outfield spot, which turned into three assists in 2025. Wallner isn't everyone's cup of tea, nor is he many people's favorite player. But, his role on the Twins is enough to make the lineup better — even if just a little. He isn't Byron Buxton or Royce Lewis or Luke Keaschall, and that's fine with us. Wallner definitely has a place on this team. It's great to see him getting recognized as someone who does just that.