School: Clemson University; Class: Sophomore
Position: 3B; B/T: R/R
Height: 6-0; Weight: 215
Previously Drafted: N/A
High School: Preble High School
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 45/50 | 55/60 | 35 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Background: Wagner earned the rare distinction of capturing the 2020 Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year – despite, you know, not actually playing a game thanks to the COVID shutdown. Wagner, nonetheless, wrapped up his time at Preble High School with a tremendous production line through three completed seasons: .457/.569/.731.
After a brief – largely unsuccessful – jaunt through the Northwoods League following his senior year in high school, Wagner appeared in 35 games with Clemson during his first collegiate season – though the production was rather pitiful. In 99 plate appearances, the 6-foot, 215-pound third baseman batted a lowly .214/.305/.345 with five doubles and a pair of long balls.
Wagner recaptured his high school glory during the ensuing summer with the Green Bay Booyah in the Northwoods League, batting .313/.485/.566 with five doubles, one triple, and six homeruns in 31 games. And he was able to carry that momentum in a breakout performance during his presumed final college season.
In a career best 58 games, the hot swinging infielder slugged .370/.496/.852 with 15 doubles, one triple, and 27 homeruns – tied for the third best total in the nation.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2011, only three Division I hitters met the following criteria in a season (min. 250 PA): hit at least .360/.480/.800 with a walk rate north of 17%. Those three hitters: Andrew Vaughn, former #3 overall pick, Sonny DiChiara, and – of course – Max Wagner.
Wagner’s massive production is largely limited to one stout showing with the Tigers in 2022. But it’s one helluva production line. Above-average power and a lightning quick bat. Wagner consistently barreled up the baseball during his season. Throw in solid-average glove work at the corner, and Wagner could be a serviceable big league third baseman.
Ceiling: 2.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: First / Second Round
