Welcome to our series grading every member of the San Diego Padres’ 40-man roster. The roster being evaluated is current as of Oct. 18, prior to the end of the World Series. Because of that, it will include players who will be free agents once the postseason concludes. Each player will be graded on their performance in the 2026 season, including the playoffs. That performance will be weighted based on how much time the player spent with the team (availability is the best ability).
Will Wagner
The son of Hall-of-Famer
Billy Wagner, Will Wagner was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2021 as a passable infielder with solid offensive marks. He’s been solid throughout his minor-league career, with a .287/.390/.429 slash line. Wagner came to the Padres in an under-the-radar deal with the Toronto Blue Jays at the 2025 Trade Deadline. He’s produced modest results despite his lack of time at the big-league level.
Overall Grade: B-
Wagner started off the season on the injured list with an oblique strain that he suffered in early March. That caused him to play in just 86 games between the minors and majors. Sixteen of those came with the big-league club. Wagner joined the Padres in June, slashing .257/.422/.286 (35 at-bats).
The on-base percentage is the shocking number in that grouping. Wagner walked 10 times with nine hits in 45 plate appearances, resulting in him reaching base at a .422 clip. His stats in the minors followed a similar trend, with a .254/.368/.377 slash line in 70 minor-league games. Among all players with less than 260 at-bats in the Pacific Coast League, Wagner ranked fourth in walks (42).
The infielder is capable of playing first, second and third base, but has more capability at the keystone position. With Jake Cronenworth potentially departing via a trade this offseason, it’s possible that Wagner could fill out second base sooner rather than later. If not, Wagner will likely spend time on the big-league roster as bench depth for the Friars.
