Matt Wallner's struggles could lead to highly touted Twins outfield prospect's MLB debut

Anyone who's been keeping up with the Minnesota Twins this year knows that outfielder Matt Wallner is struggling significantly. He's been the Twins' worst player per bWAR (-0.7) this season while slashing .190/.281/.329 (71 OPS+) with an American League-leading 36 strikeouts and an MLB-worst -5 Defensive Runs Saved (tied with Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andrés Giménez, Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung and Seattle Mariners shortstop Justin Crawford).

Wallner has always been a streaky hitter, so he could easily turn things around soon. But with outfielder Emmanuel Rodríguez off to a hot start for the St. Paul Saints this season, Wallner, who has a minor-league option remaining, must turn things around fast if he wants to keep his roster spot.

Rodríguez, FanSided's No. 66 overall prospect, is hitting .274/.432/.516 with four home runs, three doubles, 14 RBI and a pair of stolen bases in 81 plate appearances with the Saints this year. Rodríguez, 23, has closed his batting stance while being more aggressive at the plate this season. The outfielder's tweaks to his swing have clearly worked out for him thus far in 2026.

If the Twins want to give Rodríguez more time in Triple-A, the team could also recall outfielder Alan Roden to replace Wallner. Roden, whom the Twins acquired along with left-handed pitcher Kendry Rojas from the Toronto Blue Jays for right-handed reliever Louis Varland and first baseman Ty France last summer, is slashing .275/.425/.464 with three homers, four doubles, 15 RBI and two stolen bases in 87 plate appearances. But even though Roden likely deserves to be recalled, Rodríguez's ceiling is much higher than the former Blue Jay.

Twins' decision to recall Prielipp, Rojas proves team could be willing to promote Rodríguez

The fact that the Twins recalled top pitching prospects Connor Prielipp and Kendry Rojas this week proves that general manager Jeremy Zoll may be willing to promote Rodríguez soon. Zoll should also consider recalling top infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper within the next month or two. The Twins' No. 1 overall prospect, outfielder Walker Jenkins, should also make his MLB debut this year despite his early-season struggles.

Of the Twins' three best position player prospects (Rodríguez, Culpepper and Jenkins), Rodríguez appears to be the most ready to make his MLB debut. Before his strong start to the season, Rodríguez went 8-for-19 with two homers in spring training. He also absolutely dominated in the 2025-26 Dominican Winter League, slashing .292/.417/.646 with four home runs and 11 RBI in 60 plate appearances.

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