Former Liberty Flames infielder Will Wagner and relief pitcher Fraser Ellard made their Major League debuts this past summer and have concluded their rookie seasons.
Wagner made his major league debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in August, shortly after being traded to the franchise from the Houston Astros. He exploded onto the scene with three hits in his MLB debut.
The Blue Jays’ second baseman played in 24 games while taking over the starting spot. He hit .305 with two home runs, 11 RBIs, and a .788 OPS in 82 at bats.
Wagner was placed on the 60-day injured list in September due to a left knee injury. He is expected to be ready to go in spring training.
Wagner was selected during the 18th round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. He was a two-time first-team All-ASUN performer while at Liberty. He hit .333 with a team leading 52 RBI and 32 runs scored in 2021. In 53 games, all starts, he had 70 hits, including 16 doubles, three triples, and seven home runs. He posted a .399 on base percentage and a .538 slugging percentage.
Playing for the Chicago White Sox, Fraser Ellard made his MLB debut this summer, as well. The relief pitcher appeared in 25 games. He posted a 2-3 record with 1 save and a 3.75 ERA. Ellard tossed 24 innings and struck out 26.
Ellard played one season at Liberty in 2021, helping the Flames post a 41-16 record and receive an at-large selection to the NCAA Regional. He was named to the 2021 ASUN All-Conference first team after posting a 0-1 record with 7 sevens and a 3.65 ERA in 26 appearances.
Wagner and Ellard are the seventh and eighth former Liberty Flame to reach the majors. The duo joins former Flames Ryan Cordell (2018-20), Ian Parmley (2017), Doug Brady (1995), Randy Tomlin (1986-88), Sid Bream (1979-81), and Lee Guetterman (1978-81) in reaching the majors.
