Exclusive: Cameron Wagoner's road to the Brewers and what to expect in 2023
In the 11th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers selected Cameron Wagoner with the 342 overall pick. The Michigan native has already had his first taste of professional baseball and made an excellent first impression. Wagner posted a 1.83 ERA in seven outings and struck out 24 batters while splitting time between two levels. With the Single-A season in the books, he was able to reflect on his baseball career and give a preview of what the future holds.
Draft Process
Jamie Gatlin: What was the draft process like for you?
Cameron Wagoner: This was my second time going through it. Out of high school, I was drafted in the 22nd round and went to college instead. This year was completely different, where I put myself in a poor position academically, which prevented me from playing leading up to the draft. I had shown the year before that I could play in the Cape Cod league, and they were still scouts following me. This year I knew I would get picked. It was just a matter of when.
JG: Did any other teams show the same level of interest?
CW: There were a lot of teams that liked me but not like the 11th round, day three. I had no clue who was going to pick me. I was playing for Cochituate when I got the call from the Brewers that they had drafted me. The day before, I had also gotten a call, which got changed, but it had been the Brewers. I didn’t believe it when they called the second time, and it’s the coolest thing I have ever been a part of.
JG: What is the biggest adjustment you have had to make so far?
CW: Definitely the time change. My brother had his vow renewal in mid-August, so I had to fly back to Michigan from Arizona. After I got back from that, I was in Arizona for three days before getting promoted to the Carolina League and changing time zones again. Finding some time to sleep has been the hardest thing by far.
Playing in the Cape Cod League
JG: What was it like to play in the Cape Cod League?
CW: That was the craziest experience of my life. In my first game, I was like, I throw 95-97 mph; I’ll be above average here. Some guys there consistently threw 100. I was able to play against a couple of guys who will be first-rounders in next year’s draft. It didn’t matter the age; they were the best players.
JG: How were able to use your experience in the Cape Cod to improve your game?
CW: I'm a simple pitcher, but I asked batters what they hate the most. For example, when they don't want to swing at an off-speed pitch or if up and in is really that effective. Sometimes I got surprising answers, but I was able to pick their brains. It's by far the best talent that I have ever played with.
Biggest influences and goals for 2023
JG: Who has had the biggest influence on your baseball career?
CW: There have been a couple of people. Starting with my brother, who was always willing to help me out when I was younger. In high school, I made a great connection with my summer coach, and we are still really close. He taught me how to pitch. This year my trainer at home helped me a lot. I was in a tough spot mentally, and he went out of his way to help my overall well-being.
JG: What is the best advice that you have gotten since you were drafted?
CW: It came from my trainer. Noah Syndergaard told him that it’s easier to make it to the MLB but harder to stay there. A lot of guys that make it get injured, and then they lose out on playing time. As a pitcher, you have to go through rehab and then build all your strength back if you get hurt. That’s why training is key. It’s a crazy cycle that people go through.
JG: Who are your favorite pitchers to watch?
CW: Max Scherzer, by far. I wish I could replicate his game, but I also try to have a similar mentality. He is an animal on the mound but the nicest guy off the field. One quote from him that has always stood out to me is, “throw every ball as fast as you possibly can and then learn how to control it.”
JG: What is one thing you are locating to focus on this offseason?
CW: This off-season will be very different for me because I’ll be playing winter ball in Australia. I have learned how to throw a sinker while I have been in Arizona, but I want to have more confidence in my changeup. I have four pitches that I can trust right now but adding a changeup would give me a five-pitch mix.
JG: What has been your favorite memory from your baseball career?
CW: It would honestly be this year when I was at my host family's house and got drafted. I'll never forget what my trainer said to me. He said we did it. You got three more steps to go.
Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17
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