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Toronto Blue Jays Will Wagner might be stealing Anthony Santander's spot
This spring training has been marked by Blue Jays hopeful Will Wagner's Most crucial time in his career as he has recovered from knee surgery and is ready to compete for a roster spot.
Wagner's season ended on September 17th, 2024, when he was placed on the injured list with the inflammation and had to have arthroscopic knee surgery to correct the problem As he was only on the Blue Jays for a short time since being traded by the Houston Astros at the July trade deadline.
Blue Jays coaching staff evaluating where Wagner would fit best
"I'm glad that he's healthy," says Blue Jays manager John Schneider. "We knew the version of Will we were getting last year was a one-legged version, if you will."- John Schneider
The Blue Jays coaching staff is attempting to find a place for Wagner as he has worked several positions over the past couple of weeks including some wraps on third base, second base even first base and designated hitter.
He produced a .788 OPS over 24 games with Toronto, which tracked with his reputation as a solid left-handed hitter who can provide quality at-bats. Over four minor-league campaigns, Wagner owns a .297/.402/.441 slashline with nearly as many walks as strikeouts. David Singh
There's a strong possibility that the Blue Jays will put Ernie Clement on third and keep Vladimir Guerrero junior on 1st which would give Wagner an opening as a designated hitter.
It's not common for a rookie to be handed that position but it appears that Wagner is ready for the challenges ahead of him as he wants to remain on the roster this year.
Blue Jays John Schneider gave Wagner one simple
statement
"'Just go play,'" recounts the manager. "'Don't worry about what you're doing or where you're playing, just go play.' And I think it's easy to assume that he knows the drill because of his background with his dad. And he does, but I think (it was important to) reinforce that, 'Go play and know that you're a part of what we're trying to do here.' - John Schneider
It's a pretty simple statement that holds a strong message as a fully healthy Wagner would give the Blue Jays more flexibility on the field especially if his back comes to life and gives those runs that the team so desperately needs.
Wagner has the legacy he follows as his father Billy Wagner received the phone call from Cooperstown that he is going to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Wagner, however, seems to be ready for the season and wants to show the Blue Jays why he was incorporated into the trade last July.
Source: Sportsnet
Inside Will Wagner's pivotal off-season
Inside Will Wagner's pivotal off-season
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MARS 13 | 884 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays Will Wagner might be stealing Anthony Santander's spot Which position will Blue Jays Will Wagner secure this season? | ||
| First baseman | 168 | 19 % |
| Third baseman | 384 | 43.4 % |
| Designated Hitter | 332 | 37.6 % |
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