Eric Wagaman is an American professional baseball utility player who has appeared in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, and New York Mets. He was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2017 MLB Draft and spent several seasons developing through their minor league system before making his major league debut in 2024. Wagaman has established himself as a versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions, including third base, first base, and all three outfield positions.
Eric Wagaman Bio
Eric Wagaman was born on August 14, 1997. He grew up in the United States and developed an interest in baseball at a young age. His athletic journey led him through the amateur ranks before he entered the professional baseball pipeline through the MLB Draft. His draft year marked the beginning of his development as a future big league contributor.
Path to Professional Baseball
Wagaman entered professional baseball when the New York Yankees selected him in the 13th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, with the 392nd overall selection. Being drafted by such a storied franchise provided him with access to professional coaching and development resources. He began his career immediately after signing, reporting to rookie-level Pulaski to start his professional journey.
Eric Wagaman Career
New York Yankees (2017–2023)
Wagaman made his professional debut with the rookie-level Pulaski Yankees in 2017. He spent 2018 with the Low-A Staten Island Yankees, playing in 64 games and hitting .194 with five home runs and 18 runs batted in. He split the 2019 campaign between the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Yankees and Single-A Charleston RiverDogs, slashing .233 with seven home runs and 41 RBI over 88 total games. He did not play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wagaman returned to action in 2021 with the Single-A Tampa Tarpons and High-A Hudson Valley Renegades, appearing in 78 games and hitting .220 with six home runs and 34 RBI. He played 2022 with Hudson Valley and the Double-A Somerset Patriots, hitting .258 with a career-high 13 home runs and 32 RBI in 69 games. He spent the 2023 campaign with Somerset, posting a .320 batting average with five home runs, 16 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 35 games, demonstrating his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game.
Los Angeles Angels (2024)
On December 6, 2023, Wagaman was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft. In 121 games split between Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas and Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, he slashed .274 with 17 home runs, 60 RBI, and 10 stolen bases while playing 42 games in the outfield, 29 games at third base, and 17 games at first base. His strong performance earned him a promotion to the major leagues.
On September 10, 2024, Wagaman was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to MLB for the first time. In 18 games during his rookie campaign, he hit .250 with two home runs and 10 RBI, playing primarily third base and left field. On November 19, the Angels designated him for assignment. Three days later, the Angels non-tendered Wagaman, making him a free agent.
Miami Marlins (2025)
On December 20, 2024, Wagaman signed a one-year major league contract with the Miami Marlins. He became a regular contributor for the Marlins, making 140 appearances and batting .250 with nine home runs, 53 RBI, and four stolen bases. His positional versatility allowed the Marlins to utilize him across multiple spots in the field throughout the season. On December 29, 2025, the Marlins designated Wagaman for assignment following the acquisition of Esteury Ruiz.
New York Mets (2026–Present)
On January 2, 2026, Wagaman was traded to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Kade Bragg. He was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul Saints to begin the regular season. He appeared in 18 games for the Saints, hitting .159 with one home run and six RBI. On April 23, the Twins designated him for assignment.
On April 27, 2026, Wagaman was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets. He made two appearances for Triple-A Syracuse, going 3-for-5 with five RBI. After being designated for assignment by New York on May 3, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Syracuse on May 10. On May 26, the Mets added Wagaman back to their active roster. In his first start for the Mets on May 27, he hit a home run in his first at-bat against Cincinnati Reds starter Andrew Abbott in a 4-2 win.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wagaman has carved out a role as a reliable utility player capable of playing third base, first base, and all three outfield positions. This defensive versatility has allowed him to find opportunities at the major league level despite not being a top prospect. His ability to contribute at multiple positions provides value to franchises looking for flexible roster options. He has shown power potential throughout his career and is capable of playing both corner infield and outfield spots effectively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wagaman achieved his MLB debut in September 2024 with the Angels and hit his first major league home run during that call-up. His most significant moment came on May 27, 2026, when he homered in his first at-bat as a member of the New York Mets against Cincinnati. Throughout his minor league career, he showed steady power development, including a 13-homer season in 2022 and a .320 batting average in 2023 at Double-A Somerset.
Eric Wagaman Career Wins
Wagaman has built his professional career through consistent production in the minor leagues and brief appearances at the major league level. His most complete professional season came in 2023 with Somerset, where he hit .320 while also contributing power and speed. His MLB career spans parts of three seasons with three different organizations.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Through June 28, 2026, Wagaman has played in parts of three MLB seasons with the Angels, Marlins, and Mets, combining for 13 home runs and 67 RBI while batting .247. He made his MLB debut with the Angels in September 2024 and has continued to find opportunities at the highest level through his versatility and work ethic. His first MLB home run came during his initial call-up with Los Angeles.
Minor League Highlights
Wagaman demonstrated consistent production throughout his minor league development with the Yankees organization. His standout campaign came in 2023 with Double-A Somerset, where he hit .320 with five home runs, 16 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 35 games. He also showed power potential in 2022 with a career-high 13 home runs and a .468 slugging percentage at Double-A. His 60 RBI season with Salt Lake in 2024 further demonstrated his ability to drive in runs at the Triple-A level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented Wagaman’s first full opportunity at the major league level. Signed by the Miami Marlins in December 2024, he became a regular fixture in their lineup, making 140 appearances throughout the campaign. He batted .250 with nine home runs and 53 RBI while demonstrating the defensive versatility that has characterized his professional career.
Playing primarily at corner positions, Wagaman provided the Marlins with flexibility in constructing their daily lineup. His 53 RBI demonstrated his ability to contribute with runners in scoring position. The Marlins utilized him across multiple spots in the field, taking advantage of his ability to play both infield and outfield positions.
Following the season, the Marlins designated Wagaman for assignment after acquiring Esteury Ruiz, which led to his subsequent journey to Minnesota and eventually to New York. Despite the roster changes, his 2025 performance maintained the steady production that has defined his professional career at the minor league level and kept him in the mix for major league opportunities.