The Toronto Blue Jays announced yesterday which players have made the final Opening Day roster spots and Will Wagner was one of them. The roster spots were coming down to the wire but that ship has sailed as Opening Day is days away. Wagner made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays last season and recorded a .305 batting average, 25 hits, two home runs, and 11 RBI, across 82 at-bats last season. In camp this season, Wagner has recorded 10 hits, four RBI, with a .751 OPS. In addition, Davis Schneider, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, and Alan Roden all made the opening-day roster. Wagner provides a bright future for the Blue Jays considering how he earned the attention quickly through his versatility and offense.
Will Wagner On The Roster
He offers versatility to the Blue Jays as a player who can play multiple positions. Most of his experience comes from playing second base. But with the Blue Jays acquiring Andres Gimenez, Wagner will likely see time at third base, and as a designated hitter. He could also cover first base whenever necessary. But above all, he provides quality at-bats through his offense. He also led the Blue Jays in doubles this spring hitting six.
In his debut with the Blue Jays, he impressed fans quickly collecting three hits. The son of Billy Wagner is slowly falling in his father’s footsteps. Billy, who became a Hall of Famer this year, will have a lot to cheer for, especially since his son is making the Opening Day roster. Will is known for his ability to hit the ball hard. He’s also gotten the opportunity to lead off in some at-bats this spring. In addition, he’s also a solid contact hitter. His disciplined approach at the plate allows him to get on base and draw walks. Wagner is comparable to Yandy Diaz, as they both possess a strong hitting ability through solid contact at the plate. He showcases a bright future for the Blue Jays and a solid career ahead. Wagner also contains a compact left-handed swing.
Wagner is also a solid defender with a keen sense of properly situating himself. His instincts are on the bases while he is working hard to refine his speed defensively. But Wagner also has the potential to be a utility player for the Blue Jays. His infield experience playing all infield positions prepares him for the role. Wagner brings appeal to many areas, making him an exciting candidate to look out for this season with the Blue Jays. Wagner also has a 130 wRC+ in Triple-A across 77 games in 2024. His left-handed bat also makes him a versatile asset in the lineup.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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