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How former Blue Jays Will Wagner and Alan Roden are performing with their new teams
Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays were active at the deadline, using some of their prospect capital to help bolster the bullpen and the rotation down the stretch, as well as some minor position player introductions. While a majority of the players who moved were prospects, two position players with big league experience were traded away in infielder Will Wagner and outfielder Alan Roden. Wagner was sent to the Padres in exchange for catcher Brandon Valenzuela, and Roden was part of the trade package to the Twins that saw Louis Varland and Ty France join the Jays.

Wagner was part of the trade package for Yusei Kikuchi from the Houston Astros last summer, while Roden made waves this spring with his impressive play at the plate, eventually earning a spot on the Opening Day roster. Both players split time in the big leagues and in triple-A this year.

Through 40 games this season with the Jays, Wagner posted a .237/.336/.298 line with seven doubles, zero home runs, and seven RBIs to the tune of a .634 OPS through 114 at-bats. He spent most of his time at third base and first base when Guerrero needed a day off. Roden got off to a hot start for the Jays, but the big leagues adjusted to the rookie outfielder, with the left-handed bat putting forward a .204/.283/.306 line with a .589 OPS through 98 at-bats. The former third-round pick also chipped in five doubles, one triple, one home run, and eight RBIs.

Since being moved, Roden has become a staple in a rebuilding Twins organization that was one of the busiest franchises at the deadline.

Roden has suited up in nine games for the Twins and has collected five hits through 29 at-bats (.172) while walking zero times compared to 11 strikeouts, getting punched out at a 37.9% clip with his new organization. Roden also has a home run to his credit and one double while scoring five times and adding one RBI (his home run).

Considering the current Twins outfield picture, which includes Byron Buxton on the IL, there seems to be ample playing time available for the former Blue Jay. He joins former Jays top prospect Austin Martin, Trevor Larnach, and Matt Wallner as outfield options.

Unfortunately for Wagner, his path to the big leagues is blocked at the moment. The Padres boast a veteran infield core in Luis Arraez, Jake Cronenworth, Xander Bogaerts, Jose Iglesias, and Manny Machado. They also boosted their roster by acquiring Ryan O’Hearn at the deadline from some bench/DH depth.

Following the trade on July 31st, Wagner was optioned to triple-A El Paso and will likely remain there for the rest of the year or until rosters expand. Since joining the Padres organization, Wagner is doing everything in his power to convince the front office he deserves another shot in the big leagues.

The left-handed bat has gone 11 for 30 at the plate (.367) with a .457 OBP and a .533 SLG, adding one triple and one home run with six RBIs through seven games. He’s also walked five times compared to three strikeouts and has chipped in with a stolen base as well. The short sample has seen his OPS climb to .990 in a Chihuahuas uniform while he splits time at third and second base.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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