Minnesota Twins Acquire Eric Wagaman, DFA Ryan Fitzgerald

The Minnesota Twins shook up their roster by picking up first baseman Eric Wagaman from the Miami Marlins. They’re clearly looking for some extra depth and stability at the corner infield spots with an eye on 2026.

This trade isn’t flashy, but it matters for both teams. It also shifts the outlook for a few players still trying to carve out their place in the modern baseball landscape.

Twins Add Eric Wagaman in Depth-Focused Trade

The Twins sent lefty Kade Bragg, a minor-leaguer, to Miami to get Wagaman. Wagaman, 28, just wrapped up his first full season in the majors.

Minnesota made the move right after the Marlins designated Wagaman for assignment. Miami needed the roster spot after picking up outfielder Esteury Ruiz.

Honestly, it’s a classic low-risk play for Minnesota. They get a guy with big-league experience who can fight for a spot or provide insurance without giving up any top prospects.

Eric Wagaman’s Long Road to the Majors

Wagaman’s taken quite a journey. He spent years grinding in the Yankees’ system, then the Angels grabbed him in the 2023 minor-league Rule 5 draft.

That move finally got him to the majors with Los Angeles in September 2023. It was a short stint, but a big deal for him.

He later signed with Miami as a free agent. In 2025, Wagaman finally got a real shot, playing 140 games and putting up a .250/.296/.378 slash line with nine homers, four steals, and an 85 wRC+.

Those numbers won’t set the world on fire, but he’s a steady bat who can fill a role.

Defensive Versatility Adds to Wagaman’s Appeal

Wagaman’s not just a first baseman. His ability to move around the diamond probably helped convince the Twins to bring him in.

Positions Wagaman Has Played

Teams love this kind of flexibility, especially with injuries and constant lineup shuffling over a long season.

Ryan Fitzgerald Designated for Assignment

To clear a 40-man spot, the Twins designated infielder Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment. It’s tough, but not shocking, given the roster squeeze.

Fitzgerald, now 31, is another example of how unpredictable baseball careers can be. He bounced through independent ball and minor-league gigs with Boston and Kansas City before finally getting a shot with the Twins in 2025.

Fitzgerald’s Breakthrough Season

At Triple-A, Fitzgerald crushed it, putting up an .837 OPS and 119 wRC+ across 59 games. He even brought some of that to the majors, with a .758 OPS and 110 wRC+ in 24 games, while covering every infield spot.

If he clears waivers in five days, the Twins can outright him to the minors. Otherwise, he might get claimed or traded—who knows where his journey goes next?

What the Twins Are Giving Up in Kade Bragg

To get Wagaman, Minnesota gave up lefty Kade Bragg, a 24-year-old drafted in the 17th round back in 2023. Bragg lost most of 2024 to injury, but bounced back last year.

He climbed from Single-A to Double-A, posting a 2.94 ERA and a 3.73 FIP, with 82 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings. The control issues are still there, though, so it’s not a huge shock to see him moved in a depth swap.

Big Picture Takeaway

This transaction probably won’t grab national headlines. Still, it looks like a classic smart roster move.

Minnesota picks up a versatile, experienced bat in Wagaman. They give up a developmental arm and juggle a pretty crowded 40-man roster.

For the Twins, it’s about depth, flexibility, and being ready—qualities that tend to matter just as much as star power as the season drags on.

 
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