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Cameron Wagoner's transformation into one of the most dominant relief arms in the Milwaukee Brewers' farm system this year isn't being talked about enough. With an electric fastball to his name, the 25-year-old right-hander will soon be knocking on MLB's door, as he now resides in the Triple-A Nashville Sounds' bullpen.
The Brewers drafted Wagoner out of Eastern Michigan in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB Draft. The then 21-year-old immediately joined the Brewers' minor league system, making four appearances in Rookie Ball and three with the Low-A Carolina Mudcats during the final two months of the 2022 campaign.
When the 2023 season rolled around, Wagoner made the jump to High-A, joining the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers' Opening Day rotation. The right-hander turned in a pedestrian performance during the 2023 campaign, with a 5.67 ERA and just 87 strikeouts in 100 innings pitched to prove it.
Prior to the 2024 campaign, Wagoner was experiencing discomfort in his elbow, which ultimately led to Tommy John surgery. Complications during his rehab process caused Wagoner to not only miss the entire 2024 season, but also the 2025 campaign as well. Upon his return from the lengthy rehab process, it was decided that Wagoner would transition into a relief role, a decision that now looks like it was made with a crystal ball, as the 25-year-old flame-thrower is mowing down his minor league competition.
Right-hander Cameron Wagoner impresses in Triple-A debut as breakout 2026 season continues
Wagoner began the season with the Double-A Biloxi Shuckers, and quickly took over as the team's closer. On July 12, after a six-out save against the Knoxville Smokies, the Chicago Cubs' Double-A club, Wagoner was sporting a 2.03 ERA in 19 appearances with the Shuckers, while converting all seven of his save opportunities and maintaining a ridiculous 36.8% strikeout rate. Meanwhile, Wagoner's fastball velocity was up several ticks from his pre-injury numbers, with the former 11th-round pick now sitting in the upper 90s and touching 100 mph on several occasions.
As a result of his impressive first half, the Brewers made the decision to promote Wagoner to Triple-A to start the second half of the season. He made his debut with the Nashville Sounds on Sunday afternoon, and tossed a clean seventh inning with one strikeout. Wagoner touched 99 mph on the radar gun in his Sounds debut and averaged 97.1 mph.
Given his high strikeout rate, eye-catching velocity, and the fact that he's Rule 5 Draft eligible at the end of the season, it won't be long before Wagoner is pitching out of a big-league bullpen. It would be aggressive for the Brewers to call upon his services before the end of the 2026 season, but if a need arises, don't be surprised if the flame-throwing Wagoner is given the opportunity down the stretch.
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This article was originally published on reviewingthebrew.com as Flame-throwing Brewers pitching prospect makes Triple-A debut amid breakout season.
