Will Wagner, son of Houston's legendary closer, digs in at Astros spring training in Florida

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Astros hall-of-famer's son gets lucky spring training locker neighbors

Astros legend Bill Wagner's son, minor leaguer Will Wagner, is at the club's spring training in West Palm Beach, Florida.

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (KTRK) -- During his incredible career as a relief pitcher, Billy Wagner saved 225 games for the Astros. That total is more than any other pitcher in team history, and a major reason that "Billy the Kid" is a member of the Astros Hall of Fame.

His son, 24-year-old Will Wagner, says he doesn't really remember his dad pitching for the 'Stros. But at spring training in 2023, Will is making new Wagner memories with his dad's team.

"I mean, it's crazy," Will Wagner, who plays infield, said prior to Tuesday's first full-squad workout in West Palm Beach. "It's an honor to be here with a team that just won the World Series. There's so much to learn from around here. I'm just blessed to be around here."

Will Wagner, who was born in Houston during his dad's fourth season with the Astros, is taking part in Major League Spring Training for the first time. After being selected in the 18th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Will Wagner was promoted to minor league Double-A last season, just two steps from the big leagues. Eyewitness Sports asked him what advice his dad gave him prior to spring training.

Liberty's Will Wagner (17) scores a run during an NCAA baseball game on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Buies Creek, N.C.
AP Photo/Ben McKeown

"Just to soak it in, enjoy it, and have fun with it," Will Wagner, who's also a Liberty University alum, said. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. He's been there and has told me a lot about it."

And young Will will have some stories of his own. His locker in the Astros clubhouse is positioned between Alex Bregman and Jeremy Peña.