While the Toronto Blue Jays have had an undoubtedly disappointing season, a recent silver lining has been prospect Will Wagner. Wagner was acquired through the Yusei Kikuchi trade and was called up on August 12th. The former Houston Astros farmhand has been successful through his first two games in the majors with the Blue Jays. With the strong presence that he has already laid forward with the Blue Jays, they must utilize a larger role for him.
Will Wagner’s only the fifth player in franchise HISTORY to record 5 hits in his first two @MLB games! pic.twitter.com/BF5KCQDpaa
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 14, 2024
Will Wagner Looking to Play Important Role with Blue Jays
Early Success With the Blue Jays
Wagner’s performance in his MLB debut with the Blue Jays was a pleasant surprise. He recorded three hits, including a double in his first at-bat. He helped them achieve a 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Through two games with Toronto, he already has recorded three RBI and five hits. If Wagner is able to record two more hits in this evening’s game with the Angels he will fall into second place in Blue Jays history for most hits in a player’s first three career games. It appears as though Wagner is mirroring Davis Schneider‘s hot start to his big-league career. Schneider is currently first on that list with nine hits.
Wagner’s Role
The success of young prospects with the Blue Jays continues to be a trend. Wagner’s lefty bat is a versatile asset that he brings to the Blue Jays lineup. In addition, he can play first, second, and third base, making him a utility player that the Blue Jays can move around to different positions whenever needed. Manager John Schneider has already said that he will mostly be used at second base. But with his success against right-handed pitching, the Blue Jays will have the opportunity to move him around the infield.
With the Blue Jays trading Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the third-base role has been up in the air. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has spent some time at third base but has unfortunately made some errors. However, if the Blue Jays had to utilize him in a third base role, it would not necessarily be a major issue if the errors continued. Wagner’s utility gives the Blue Jays an extra option at third base, as well as the rest of the infield. If he can continue to provide offense for the Blue Jays, it will also mean more playing time for the 26-year-old.
In the minors this season (Triple-A), Wagner was slashing .315/.432/.444, going yard six times and stealing three bases across 77 games. Wagner is without question following the successful MLB footsteps of his father Billy Wagner, the seven-time All-Star reliever. The Blue Jays can also utilize Wagner’s speed, which is something they failed to do with IKF.
Photo Credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
