Ryan Fitzgerald’s journey through the big leagues has been anything but conventional, and his latest stop adds another twist to the story. The 31-year-old rookie showed flashes of potential in limited action last season, slashing .196/.302/.457 with four home runs and a 106 OPS+ across a small sample size. He also posted a respectable 0.3 bWAR - not groundbreaking, but enough to raise a few eyebrows and suggest there's something there.
Still, the Minnesota Twins decided to part ways with Fitzgerald, designating him for assignment to make room for corner infielder/outfielder Eric Wagaman, whom they acquired from the Marlins. It was a calculated move - one that speaks more to roster mechanics than a lack of belief in Fitzgerald’s ability.
The Twins were likely hoping he’d slip through waivers and remain in the organization as infield depth. But the Los Angeles Dodgers had other plans.
Fresh off back-to-back World Series titles, the Dodgers scooped up Fitzgerald. For a moment, it looked like he might get a chance to stick with one of the most stacked rosters in baseball.
But just four days later, LA designated him for assignment to make space for infielder Andy Ibáñez. That’s life on the roster bubble - one minute you're in, the next you're on waivers again.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Fitzgerald cleared this time, and they outrighted him to Triple-A Oklahoma City. That gives them a seasoned, versatile infielder they can call on if injuries strike - a not-so-uncommon scenario over the course of a long MLB season.
It’s a tough break for the Twins, who clearly saw some value in Fitzgerald but weren’t willing to burn a 40-man roster spot to keep him around. That’s not to say they’ve stood pat when it comes to infield depth.
They’ve been active this offseason, bringing in a trio of utility options. First came Ryan Kreidler, claimed off waivers from the Pirates, though his .383 career OPS in 211 plate appearances doesn’t exactly scream “everyday contributor.”
Then came a minor-league deal with former Braves All-Star Orlando Arcia - a glove-first veteran who can handle all four infield spots. And most recently, the Twins traded minor league catcher Nate Baez to the Red Sox for Tristan Gray, another utility infielder with positional flexibility.
So, while the Twins would’ve liked to keep Fitzgerald in the fold, they’ve clearly prioritized infielders with either more MLB experience or different skill sets. It’s a numbers game - and Fitzgerald, despite his age and late debut, was the odd man out.
Now, Fitzgerald finds himself in a familiar position: on the outside looking in. The Dodgers’ infield depth is no joke.
Mookie Betts, Tommy Edman, Max Muncy, and Freddie Freeman headline a starting group that’s as good as any in baseball. Backing them up are Hyeseong Kim, World Series standout Miguel Rojas, and Ibáñez.
And let’s not forget about Alex Freeland, a promising young infielder who’s expected to get his own shot at some point this season.
That means Fitzgerald’s path back to the majors is a steep climb. But if there’s one thing we know about MLB seasons, it’s that injuries happen.
Depth matters. And when the time comes - whether it’s a hamstring strain, a sore wrist, or just the need for a fresh glove - Fitzgerald could get the call.
For now, he’ll start the 2026 season in Triple-A Oklahoma City, waiting for that next opportunity. It's not the glamorous side of baseball, but it’s the grind that keeps players like Fitzgerald in the game - ready, waiting, and hoping for another shot.