Billy Wagner’s son notches 3 hits in MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays

The son of former Phillies’ closer Billy Wagner made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays this week and had himself a day.

Will Wagner was drafted in the 2021 MLB Draft (Round 18, Pick 538) out of Liberty by the Houston Astros – the same team his father played for during the first nine of his 16 seasons in the majors.

In four years at the college level, Wagner slashed .305/.377/.462. In Triple A ball, Wager posted a .315/.432/.444 slash line with six dingers and 43 RBI. He’s primarily a second baseman, with experience at first and third. He’s known as a line-drive hitter, with 25 home runs in 290 minor league games.

Ahead of the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, Will Wagner was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays along with righty Jake Bloss and outfielder Joey Loperfido in exchange for lefty Yusei Kikuchi.

When he joined Toronto, he kept up his strong play with a .400/.516/.600 slash in his first seven games – which earned him a call to The Show after just two weeks in Triple A Buffalo.

Will Wagner got the start at second base against the Angels on Monday, batting sixth. He took the first pitch he saw at the MLB-level and roped a double to right-centerfield.

Welcome to the Show: Will Wagner ropes a double in MLB Debut

Will Wagner, the son of former closer Billy Wagner, rips a double on the first pitch he sees in The Show! pic.twitter.com/AWjGMd7ffg

— MLB (@MLB) August 13, 2024

Wagner got his first career RBI with a single in the third inning and hit another single in the fifth. All three hits were against Angels right-hander Davis Daniel.

Will Wagner’s doing it ALL! #TOTHECORE pic.twitter.com/TAALfVlIU6

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 13, 2024

Will Wagner became the fourth player in Blue Jays history to have three hits in his major league debut before finally making his first out on a fly to center in the seventh inning.

The Blue Jays beat the Angels 4-2.

Will Wagner's Major League debut will be one to remember 👏 pic.twitter.com/fb2fwW7rQp

— MLB (@MLB) August 13, 2024

Billy Wagner – Philadelphia Phillies

As for Billy Wagner, he spent two years playing for the Philadelphia Phillies. He posted a 1.86 ERA and notched 59 saves during that time. 2005 was considered one of Wagner’s best seasons of his career and landed him a spot on the NL All-Star team.

Last January, Billy Wagner fell five votes short of being inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. It was his ninth time on the ballot – meaning he has one more chance to make it to the hall before being removed.

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