Who is Will Wagner? Meet the son of iconic closer Billy Wagner who eclipsed his father's career total on MLB debut
Former MLB pitcher Billy Wagner's son, William or short for Will, made his debut for the Toronto Blue Jays recently during their game against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. In just one game, the rookie eclipsed his father's hit record, going 3-for-4 in the game with an RBI and a run scored.
Will Wagner was traded to the Blue Jays from the Houston Astros at the trade deadline in the Yusei Kikuchi deal. He is rated as Toronto's No. 21 prospect. His stock further grew after a strong Triple-A season this year, going .315 with 43 RBIs including six home runs in 77 games.
During the game, Wagner hit a double on his first MLB pitch in the second inning. His most productive at-bat came in the third when he hit an RBI single to plate Spencer Horwitz. The 26-year-old managed another single at the top of the fifth. This allowed the Blue Jays to earn a 4-2 victory over the Halos on the night.
As per manager John Schneider, the plan is to utilize Wagner on a daily basis in the lineup as he is touted to be one for the future. The infielder is expected to divide his time at second and third base. At the keystone during the game, Wagner converted all the plays, including a diving play to get Taylor Ward in the eighth innings.
Blue Jays roster packed with sons of former MLB stars
Even though Will Wagner is a newcomer in the Blue Jays organization, he should not take much time to settle in given there are several other top players who have a similar father-son connection to the league. Apart from Wagner, there are three players on the current roster whose fathers also played in MLB.
These include Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (son of Vladimir Sr.), Daulton Varsho (son of Gary Varsho) and Bo Bichette (son of Dante Bichette). The Blue Jays also had Cavan Biggio (son of Craig Biggio) who was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the deadline.
Toronto will look to seal the series in the second game of their three-game series with the Angels at Angel Stadium on Tuesday.