Green Bay native Max Wagner drafted No. 42 overall by Orioles in MLB Draft

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – Most people can’t wait to hear their name called on draft night. Max Wagner technically saw it first.

“It’s in a commercial and I see at the bottom of the screen my name. I was like no way,” Wagner said. “Me and my buddy are the only ones who noticed that. We both stand up and we’re going nuts. Everyone is like what’s going on. I’m like, I’m going to Baltimore.”

Green Bay native and Preble High School graduate Wagner was picked in the second round at No. 42 overall by the Orioles.

“To have that moment come true, that dream that I’ve had, it’s just unreal. It’s just another step in the journey,” Wagner added.

After a tough freshman year at Clemson, he had a breakout sophomore year this Spring. Wagner went from a backup to the ACC Player of the Year, tying a school record with 27 home runs.

“Kind of made a plan of getting back to where I was in high school, getting back to my true approach,” Wagner said. “That’s exactly what I did and it really paid off for me.”

Wagner took Preble to the WIAA State Tournament three times and was also named the FRCC Player of the Year three times. It likely could’ve been a fourth if it wasn’t for Covid.

“In Wisconsin you don’t hear a lot of guys coming out of the state like you do with California and Texas. I’m just trying to get Wisconsin on the map of they can produce some really good baseball players,” he said.

Wagner is the highest MLB draft pick from Northeast Wisconsin since Jason Berken back in 2006. Not only did he also go to Clemson but he was also drafted by the Orioles, the 6th round.

“He helped me get to Clemson,” Wagner said. “He texted me yesterday saying congrats, this starts the journey now.”

Wagner hasn’t officially signed with the Orioles yet, but says he’s hopeful to work out a deal in the coming days.

“Being able to continue to play baseball, some people don’t have the opportunity to get this far, to continue the love for the game I have. I’m grateful for the situation I’m in. I’m really excited for what the future holds.”