While the Toronto Blue Jays have undoubtedly had a disappointing season, there has been a bright spot of late in the form of young talent Will Wagner. Acquired in the Yusei Kikuchi trade, Wagner was called up on August 12. The former Houston Astros farmhand has been effective in his first two Major League games with the Blue Jays. Given the strong presence he has already shown with the Blue Jays, they need to capitalize on a larger role for him.
Will Wagner is only the fifth player in franchise HISTORY to have scored in his first two @MLB Games! pic.twitter.com/BF5KCQDpaa
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) 14 August 2024
Will Wagner wants to play an important role with the Blue Jays
Early successes 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, to help them to a 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. In two games with Toronto, he already has three RBIs and five hits. If Wagner can record two more hits tonight in the game with the Angels, he will fall into second place in Blue Jays history for most hits by a player in his first three career games. It appears Wagner will emulate Davis Schneider’s hot start to his major league career. Schneider currently sits atop that list with nine hits.
Wagner’s role
The success of young talent with the Blue Jays continues to be a trend. Wagner’s left-handed bat is a versatile asset to the Blue Jays’ lineup. Additionally, he can play first, second, and third base, making him an all-around player that the Blue Jays can move to other positions if needed. Manager John Schneider has already said he will be used primarily at second base. But with his success against right-handed pitchers, the Blue Jays will have the opportunity to use him in the infield.
With the Blue Jays trading Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the third baseman position is uncertain. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has spent some time at third baseman, but unfortunately made some mistakes along the way. However, if the Blue Jays were to use him at third baseman, it wouldn’t necessarily be a big problem if the mistakes continued. Wagner’s versatility gives the Blue Jays an additional option at third baseman, as well as in the rest of the infield. If he can continue to play offense for the Blue Jays, that will also mean more playing time for the 26-year-old.
This season, Wagner was a real slasher in the minor leagues (Triple-A).315/.432/.444he rushed for six yards and stole three bases in 77 games. Wagner is undoubtedly following in the successful MLB footsteps of his father, Billy Wagner, the seven-time All-Star reliever. The Blue Jays can also take advantage of Wagner’s speed, something they were unable to do at IKF.
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