The Future: Will Wagner
Part 3 - Son of a legend
The Future
Most of the time when I look at the Astros top prospects on MLB.com I’m dubious of the “ETA” estimates listed for various players.
If you look right now, it’ll show several that have 2023 as their ETA even though they didn’t appear to be close to seeing time at Minute Maid Park.
With this in mind, I reached out to Kenny Van Doren of Astros Future (highly recommend their podcast) for players that have the potential to help the Astros in 2024.
No one knows more about Astros prospects than Kenny.
This is the 3rd in a series on Astros minor leaguers Kenny brought to my attention.
The Prospect - Will Wagner
Will Wagner is the 25-year-old son of Astros legend Billy Wagner and is listed as the Astros 15th-best prospect.
Unlike the old man, Will is an infielder who was an 18th-round pick out of Liberty University in 2021.
Much like Joey Loperfido, the 5’10, 210-pound Wagner bats left and throws right.
Another versatile athlete, Wagner has played every infield position at some point in the minors and rose rapidly through the Astros system before making it to AAA Sugar Land last season.
Wagner skipped rookie ball and started in 2021 and hit .299 with 2 HR and 14 RBI in 117 at-bats at A-level Fayetteville immediately after being drafted.
In 2022 Wagner split the season between A+ Asheville and AA Corpus Christi where he combined to slash .261/.374/.394 with 10 bombs and 53 RBI in 497 plate appearances.
Wagner then proceeded to tear up the Arizona Fall League to the tune of .346/.433/.712 with 3 home runs and 15 RBI in 52 at-bats to put himself on the radar.
Wagner started this past season in Corpus before an injury to his hamate required surgery in early June.
After beginning a rehab in the Florida Complex League in late July Wagner was again active at Corpus on August 7th.
His time in Corpus proved productive and before his promotion to AAA Sugar Land on September 19, Wagner slashed .309/.385/.507 with 7 home runs and 32 RBI in 207 at-bats with the Hooks.
He was wildly productive in Sugar Land (.577/.607/.692) though it only encompassed 28 plate appearances.
The Scouting Report
Overall, Wagner is rated below average, with hitting and fielding listed as his only “average” skills.
Solid on-base skills, a good approach, with questionable power are less than a ringing endorsement and don’t scream future star, especially at 25 years old.
Conclusion
Despite the scouting report Wagner has performed at every level and that very scouting report states Wagner’s likely future:
Though Wagner has fringy speed, he has good instincts on the bases and has worked hard to improve his quickness on defense. He has sure hands and ordinary range at second base and played all four infield positions last year, preparing for a possible utility role in the future.
If Wagner were to contribute with the Astros, a utility role seems to be where that contribution would lie, at least in the coming season, but with Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman both scheduled to be Unrestricted Free Agents after 2024 “insurance” may be the phrase that fits best.
Thanks for reading!
