This story was excerpted from Christina DeNicola’s Marlins Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Eric Wagaman lived out his childhood dream by making his Major League debut for the hometown Angels last September, but it lasted just two months before they designated him for assignment.
So when the Marlins signed Wagaman in December, he immediately circled Miami’s trip to Orange County on the calendar.
“I felt like I played well enough to stay there, but it's a business,” Wagaman said. “They've got to do what's best for the Angels. It is what it is. I was a little bummed but figured something good would happen over the offseason. And it did, for sure. I'm very happy to be where I'm at for sure.”
The 27-year-old Wagaman, who grew up close to Angel Stadium in Mission Viejo, Calif., would attend 20 or so games a season. David Eckstein and Mike Trout, the latter of whom he was on the team with last season but was dealing with an injury, were his favorites.
Following his time at Aliso Niguel High School, Wagaman remained in his backyard at Orange Coast College until the Yankees selected him in the 13th round of the 2017 MLB Draft and shipped him east to begin his professional career.
“It made all the difference in the world,” Wagaman’s dad, Jim, said. “We got to watch since he was 8 years old until he got drafted. Just excelled and loved it. Just kept going, and really enjoyed it and got some really great friends because of that. That's kind of how it all evolved. As you can tell, in California, you played 365 days a year, so he was able to play year-round.”
After spending the first seven years of his professional career with the Yankees, nearly giving up while coming off the bench at the Double-A level, Wagaman spent 2024 in the Angels' system. After his contract was selected in September, he hit .250/.270/.403 with five doubles, two homers and 10 RBIs in 18 games. Both of those taters came at home, in consecutive games, from Sept. 16-17.
Since then, Wagaman has become one of the better National League rookies with a new organization. Here is where he ranks on the NL rookie leaderboard this season:
Hits: 48 (first)
Runs: 23 (second)
Doubles: 11 (T-first)
Homers: 4 (T-fifth)
RBIs: 17 (T-third)
Walks: 14 (first)
OPS: .693 (fifth min. 30 games played)
On last Thursday’s off-day, Wagaman walked along the beach and ate breakfast with his mom, Julie, and his younger brother, Matt. He grabbed dinner with Jim before meeting up with a friend.
In front of a dozen or so family and friends, Wagaman drove in a career-high three runs in a three-hit performance in Friday’s series opener at Angel Stadium.
“Watching him be so successful, it has made me work harder in what I've done and encouraged me to have a better work ethic,” said Matt, who is an engineer in Dallas. “Watching him just never give up has encouraged me to do the same. It's a tough act to follow, but it's really cool to watch him. He's made me a better person.”
Added Jim: “I think that last night was very special, him coming back for the first time. He had a lot of friends here, and he did well. This is the organization that gave him his chance. He felt really at home here. It was a special night last night, that's for sure.”
But it’s not the first time Wagaman has put on a show for his loved ones. The first time Matt came to one of Eric’s Minor League games, he caught a foul ball hit during his brother’s first at-bat.
Matt visited Miami a few weeks ago for the Dodgers series and got shown around the city by Eric. Jim traveled south to San Diego for the Padres’ series, and will then fly cross-country for the homestand in Miami before driving up in Eric’s car for the series in Tampa.
Prior to Sunday’s series finale in Anaheim, Wagaman stood at the dugout railing and met kids from the Little League (Aliso Viejo) he played in during his childhood.
“It's a lot of fun for people to come out and watch,” Wagaman said. “They think it's super special. Obviously, it is. So, it's been a good time. I think just the same thing as every series. It's cool to see the family and friends, so that part's special.”