Toronto Blue Jays rookie Will Wagner went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI single, and a run scored in his major league debut as his team defeated the Los Angeles Angels 4-2. The 26-year-old was recently required from Houston in the Yusei Kikuchi deal and currently ranks as the Jays' 21st-ranked prospect (according to MLB Pipeline). Wagner was hitting .394 (13-for-33) with a home run and five RBI over his last nine games with Triple-A Buffalo before getting the call to the show. He is defensively versatile (he can play all over the infield) and will keep finding his way into the lineup if he continues to hit. Fantasy managers in deep-league or AL-Only formats can look to add Wagner while he's swinging a potent bat.
The Toronto Blue Jays selected the contract of infield prospect Will Wagner from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday and optioned infielder Luis De Los Santos to Buffalo in a corresponding move. Wagner, who came to Toronto in the trade that sent left-hander Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros at the end of July, is considered the Blue Jays' No. 21 prospect. The 26-year-old will make his big-league debut at second base and will hit sixth on Monday versus the hosting Los Angeles Angels and right-hander Davis Daniel. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder can play multiple infield positions and should at least see playing time against right-handed pitchers as he bats from the left side. In two Triple-A stops this year, Wagner has hit an impressive .315/.432/.444 with an .876 OPS, six homers, 43 RBI and 57 runs in 77 games. The son of Astros all-time saves leader Billy Wagner, could be worth a look in deep-mixed leagues to close out the year.
Will Wagner Could Make Major-League Debut This Summer
Toronto Blue Jays infield prospect Will Wagner could be a candidate to make his major league debut later this summer. Toronto general manager Ross Atkins expressed that the 26-year-old could make his MLB debut "sooner rather than later." Wagner was part of the return package that sent left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros. The Liberty University product has performed quite well through his first look at Triple-A ball this summer, posting an excellent .307/.424/.429 slash line with five home runs, 41 RBI, a stellar 54:33 BB:K ratio, and three swiped bags. Wagner has logged starts are all three bases throughout his minor league career, which will provide several opportunities to find a permanent spot on the major league roster. Wagner could be worth stashing in deeper redraft leagues for now, as he continues to perform well at the top level of the minor leagues.
The Houston Astros traded prospect Will Wagner to the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday in a deal that sent Yusei Kikuchi to Houston. Wagner has been assigned to Triple-A Buffalo and slots in as the Blue Jays' No. 21 prospect. The versatile infielder was having a nice season for Triple-A Sugar Land before the trade, hitting .307 with five homers and 41 RBI. He has more walks (54) than strikeouts (33) this season and boasts a .424 on-base percentage. The 26-year-old will attempt to make a good first impression on his new team and if he does he could get a look in Toronto before the season is over.
