Max
Wagner

2022 MLB Draft: This spring Wagner blew up into one of the top hitters in the country, showing the ability to hit for a very high average (.369), but also for big time power – 27 home runs, 15 doubles for a .852 SLG and an elite .483 ISO. Built similar to Matt Chapman (Cal State Fullerton/Oakland/Toronto) at 6-foot, 215 pounds, Wagner sets up with an open stance, strides to slightly open, maintains his balance and tracks the ball well. He shows a patient approach with strong plate discipline. His strikeout rate was 19.7% with a near equal number of walks (45) as strikeouts (51) on the season to go along with eight HBP in 259 plate appearances. Defensively, Wagner shows the necessary traits to remain at the hot corner at the next level. He moves well, shows sure hands and better than average arm strength with good carry across the diamond. He made 12 errors in 153 chances this season for a .922 FLD%. As a draft-eligible sophomore he projects to be drafted in the top two rounds this July.

Following a 2021 season in which he was used often as a late inning defensive replacement, Wagner hit .214/.305/.345 with five doubles, two home runs and nine RBI in 35 games. This spring he has blown up into one of the top hitters in the country, showing the ability to hit for a very high average (.393), but also for big time power – 23 home runs, 14 doubles for a .899 SLG and an elite .509 ISO. Built similar to Matt Chapman (Cal State Fullerton) at 6-foot, 215 pounds, Wagner sets up with an open stance, strides to slightly open, maintains his balance and tracks the ball well. He shows a patient approach with strong plate discipline. His strikeout rate is 17.9% with an equal number of walks as strikeouts (39) on the season to go along with eight HBP in 218 plate appearances. Defensively, Wagner shows the necessary traits to remain at the hot corner at the next level. He moves well, shows sure hands and better than average arm strength with good carry across the diamond. He has made 11 errors in 124 chances this season for a .911 FLD%. As a draft-eligible sophomore he projects to be drafted in the top three rounds this July.

Although he missed some time this summer with an ankle sprain, the 2020 high school graduate showed little trouble adjusting the college game. Ranked as the No. 94 prep prospect for the 2020 draft, Wagner went undrafted and will head to Clemson. He finished this summer with a .211 batting average in 15 games. The 6-foot, 195 pounder is an aggressive infielder who plays hard, has an above average run tool and showed an average arm during my look. There’s also a good feel to hit with quick hands and pop in his right-handed bat. At times, the speed of the college game affected his decisions on defense, but that’s likely to improve with more experience, especially for a prospect whose senior season of high school baseball was canceled due to covid this past spring. (Seifert)

Put the Reds up early with one swing. In his first at-bat, he showed quick hands and a short, powerful stroke with a three-run home run to left field that was 98.7 mph off the bat and traveled 382 feet.

Six-foot, 190-pound right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, well-proportioned frame with strength, natural athleticism on all sides of the ball. Carries a confident presence on the diamond, calm and rhythmic pre-pitch actions, remains balanced through contact, never looks overmatched at the dish. Fluid, short bat path with extension through the zone, advanced bat speed, took pitches just off the plate, zone aware. Came in to pitch in the first round of the playoffs Saturday night, athletic delivery with a cross-bodied landing, short arm stroke with present arm speed, high ¾ slot. Came in a high-pressure situation with the bases loaded and two-outs and up by three. Threw all fastballs overmatching the final hitter of the game with a fastball up and out, ending the game with a swing-and-miss. 

The Clemson commit hit third for GRB Green 17U against STiKS Red 17U. The 6-foot, 190-pound corner infield went 3-for-3 on the day with a pair of doubles and a walk. Wagner showcased his gap-to-gap pop with one double over the right fielder’s head and the other a shot down the left field line. At the dish, he sets up in a slightly open and balanced stance, leg kick stride, and smooth loading action. He showcased a short and level bat path paired with quick bat speed which translated to consistent barrels. 

Verbally committed to Clemson.

Wagner was able to make adjustments from pitch to pitch in his at-bats, and battled for two, two-strike hits in Game 1 of OK Limited Series. Setting up balanced with the bat rested on his back shoulder he rocks his weight back with a slight leg hang stride before showing a flat barrel through the zone, and the ability to work line drives to all fields. He also did a nice job at shortstop with multiple chances. Though he projects as more of a third baseman or offensive second baseman, he has confident hands and an accurate arm.

Five-foot-10, 185-pound two-way player, strong thick build, athletic body. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, loads hands on time with leg lift trigger. Front foot heavy at times, present bat speed, strong hands, aggressive hitter with knack for the barrel. 98 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at third base, natural actions with soft hands, fluid feet, easy actions. Arm carries well, plus arm across, 91 mph, loose high ¾ slot, athletic release. 7.14 runner in the 60. On the mound fastball shows arm side run, topped at 85 mph, sat 81-83 mph, control of the zone. Curveball has 11/5 shape, late action at times, 73-74 mph. Feel for changeup, fastball arm speed, arm side action, 76-78 mph.

Strong, athletically built, right-handed hitting infielder. Aggressive approach at the plate, swings with intent and present strength and bat speed. Doubled to center field in his first at-bat of the day. Later in the day, one-hopped the left-center field wall for a triple, 4.70 on the turn. Also, lined a single to right field. Looks to be a high-level right-handed bat in the 2020 class.

3/12/17 - 5-foot-10, 155-pound two-way player, stronger build for his age. 7.14 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, open stance, tall setup, longer stride with leg lift, on time. Showed barrel control, hard contact to the middle of the field, line drive guy with confidence in the box. 95 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm showed carry, short loose ¾ slot. Exchange is clean, long at times, plays tall showed above average hands. On the mound arm works more over the top, quick arm. Fastball controlled the zone, 78-80 mph, touched 82 mph. Curveball played at 67-68 mph, 12/6 action. Changeup comes out of slightly lower slot, 69-71 mph, thrown with arm speed and showed feel.