Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Bagwell went to Hartford College.

Originally drafted in 1989 by the Boston Red Sox, he was traded from the Red Sox organization to the Houston Astros during 1990 for relief pitcher Larry Anderson, a trade regarded as one of the most one-sided of recent decades as Anderson subsequently became a free agent and left the Red Sox while Bagwell became one of the most well-known players in Astros history. Bagwell has been with the Astros ever since and with teammate Craig Biggio was virtually synonomous with mention of the name Astros in the 1990s.

Developed as a third baseman, Bagwell was shifted to first base during spring training of 1991 as the Astros already had an established third baseman. He enjoyed his Major League debut on opening day of 1991 and went on to be named the National League Rookie of the Year for that season. His peak year may have been 1994, when he was unanimously named National League Most Valuable Player, hitting 39 home runs and scoring 116 RBI in a strike-shortened season. But he also enjoyed notable seasons in 1996 and 1997, in the latter year hitting 43 home runs and scoring 135 RBI.

Bagwell plays first base, throws and hits right-handed, and has had thirteen years of experience. He is considered one of the more powerful hitters of Major League Baseball, having hit more than 30 home runs every season since 1996. His career batting average is an even .300, with a slugging percentage of .549. Currently, his salary is $13,000,000.

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