Matt Vierling

Matt Vierling's Biography

Matthew Gregory Vierling, born on September 16, 1996, made his niche in the world of Major League Baseball (MLB) as an esteemed center fielder best known for his tenure with the Detroit Tigers. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, the athlete’s journey to the upper echelons of professional baseball is a tale of dedication, skill, and perseverance.

From an early age, Matt and his younger sibling, Mark, displayed an innate affinity for baseball. Their childhood was highlighted by their season together in 2015 for Christian Brothers College High School in tiny Town and Country, Missouri. It was during this time that Matt, a senior team player, moved from his regular position as an outfielder to shortstop while Mark, a sophomore, assisted at second base. That year, Matt’s excellent leadership saw the Cadets to a victory at the Class 5 Missouri state high school baseball championship.

Throughout the season, Matt showcased his prowess as an all-rounder, taking the lead in offensive metrics. He impressed with a batting average of .451, and his achievements were not limited to his stellar offense; he also had an unblemished 8-0 win-loss record as a pitcher, displaying commendable skill with a 2.07 earned run average (ERA).

Matt’s exceptional performance caught the attention of the big leagues. The St. Louis Cardinals chose him in the 30th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft. However, Matt chose to honor his commitment to the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where he played college baseball for three seasons. It was here he continued to shine, earning third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors as a sophomore, and second-team All-ACC honors as a junior.

The 2018 Major League Baseball draft proved to be a turning point in Matt’s life, with the Philadelphia Phillies selecting him in the fifth round. After signing with the team, he proved his worth with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters, propelling himself to the Class A Lakewood Blue Claws.

Despite the pause in the minor league season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Matt resumed his ascendance in 2021 with the Phillies’ alternate training site before being assigned to the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils. His excellent form led to a swift promotion to the Class AAA Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

On June 19, 2021, Matt Vierling’s hard work bore fruit. He found himself part of the major leagues, making his MLB debut against the San Francisco Giants. Matt didn’t just show up; he made his mark with a single hit and scored a run. His first Major League home run came later that year in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

By the first anniversary of his tenure in the majors, Matt had started positions across the field: 1B, 2B, 3B, LF, CF, RF. From there, his portfolio only expanded. He celebrated a landmark moment on June 17, 2022, achieving his first multi home run game in a victorious match against the Washington Nationals.

Matt added another feather in his cap on September 21, 2022, scoring 5-for-5 in a crucial win against the Toronto Blue Jays. The 2022 regular season saw him perform well with a batting average of .246, six home runs, and 32 RBIs. He also played multiple field positions, adding diversity to his gameplay.

During the Phillies’ formidable playoffs run to the World Series in 2022, Matt made significant contributions across 12 games. In January 2023, his career took another turn when the Phillies traded him, along with Nick Maton and Donny Sands, to the Detroit Tigers for Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens.

The transition marked a new chapter in Matt’s baseball journey, as he added to the Detroit Tigers’ worth with his prowess. Matthew Vierling’s career to date serves as a testament to his enduring talent, tenacity, and dedication to the sport.