Toeppner Has Strong Work Ethic, Plenty Of Motivation

Matt Toeppner OF / 2B / Rochester Adams, MI / 2026

ROCHESTER HILLS - The challenge of being undersized is not a big deal to Matt Toeppner.

“You’ve got to stand out in one or two things with your game,” the 5-8 175-pounder explained. “In baseball, size is not a factor unless you’re a pitcher. Outfielders and second basemen are not known to be big guys.”

The junior at Rochester Adams has other attributes that would play well at any level of college.

“Definitely my work ethic and motivation to get better can take me a long way,” Toeppner said in listing his strengths. “I’ve been working hard for four years. I’m doing baseball training now five days a week. I’m motivated to play at the next level.”

On Aug. 1, Oakland was the lone college to reach out to the fifth-rated 2026 outfielder in Michigan.

“I was hoping to get a little more recognition, but that only motivates me to get better to get more looks,” the 22nd-ranked uncommitted junior in the state said. “In going to camps, coaches emphasized you have one part of your game that has to stand out and that’s my speed.”

The 17-year-old has aspirations to get the rest of his game better.

“I’m hitting and doing velocity training to improve every part of my swing,” Toeppner related. “I’m working to get to the point where I'm very confident I can stand out in those areas as well as with my speed. The only area I don’t stand out is throwing the ball and that’s what I’m working on to improve.”

Getting noticed more is high up on the agenda of things to accomplish.

“My hit coach is connected with BG and the guy I throw with is connected with Western (Michigan),” Toeppner noted. “But I need to do a better job of reaching out more. Before the Future Games I emailed coaches and posted on Twitter, but I need to be better at reaching out.

“I went to the Future Games, which is the biggest event to get college looks, and did okay, but felt I could have done better. If I don’t get the interest I think I should, going to the Senior Future Games might be a good idea. It would be good to put on the resume for my future.”

As for where his future might end up, the 38th-rated 2026 in Michigan is open to a number of possibilities.

“I’m looking to go somewhere I have a shot to play,” Toeppner said. “A D-I or D-II school would be preferred, but really anything that suits me with good coaches, somewhere in the midwest region preferably.”

Adam Goodwin, Prep Baseball Michigan Director of Scouting, has high praise for the versatile Toeppner, who can play anywhere in the outfield as well as second base.

“Matt is a dynamic athlete who possesses athleticism and a strong, sturdy build,” Goodwin said. “Matt’s best attribute is his speed which he can use on the base paths and covering ground in the outfield. He would add value to many programs.”  

Whoever lands Toeppner will receive a player that loves the sport.

“I’ve played baseball my whole life,” Toeppner explained. “I truly enjoy it. The bond you have with teammates is always something great. There’s never a time when I'm not enjoying it or having fun.”

Finance is a potential major for the 3.4 student, who is hoping to make a commitment before the start of senior year of high school.

“After my training I plan to send out videos, post highlights and reach out to coaches,” Toeppner concluded. “With the changes in college baseball it’s definitely different. It’s definitely harder to get your name out there, but it is what it is. You just have to adjust and hopefully you’ll get that commitment.”