Will Wagner a Candidate for Rookie of the Year
Only two Toronto Blue Jays players have ever won a Rookie of the Year Award. Will Wagner looks to become the third.
Following in the footsteps of Alfredo Griffin and Eric Hinske, the Blue Jays 2nd baseman has been touted as one to watch in 2025.
Although Wagner made his debut last season, because he only had 82 at-bats in 28 games, both well under the threshold, he will retain his rookie status and eligibility heading into next year.
In his limited sample size Wagner slashed .305/.337/.451, with two home runs, 11 RBIs and an OPS= of 124.
Will Wagner wasn't even a part of the Toronto Blue Jays at the beginning of the season. Acquired from the Astros as the third player in the Yusei Kikuchi deal, Wagner made his major-league debut with the Jays in August after hitting .400. in a week's worth of games in Triple-A Buffalo.
While a knee injury prematurely ended his season, Ross Atkins has said that Blue Jays fully expect Wagner will be ready and healthy enough to start the season on time in his bid to become the third Blue Jays player to win the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
In addition to his impressive numbers from last season, Wagner became the first rookie in club history to record five hits in a game when he did so during a 15-0 win over the Minnesota Twins on August 31st.
Much like his teammates Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, Will Wagner is baseball royalty. His father is former All-Star closer Billy Wagner, who is currently in his 10th and final year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame after coming up five votes short last year.
Barring a major acquisition or injury, Wagner is expected to be receive the bulk of playing of 2nd base in 2025. He also has the ability to play first and may occasionally spell Guerrero.
If he can stay healthy, his storyline will be an intriguing one to watch as he enters his first full season.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 5 | 134 ANSWERS Will Wagner a Candidate for Rookie of the Year Will Will Wagner win rookie of the year in 2025? | ||
| Yes | 71 | 53 % |
| No | 63 | 47 % |
| List of polls | ||
