As the San Francisco Giants gear up for another season, all eyes are on utility player Tyler Fitzgerald. Coming off a challenging 2025, Fitzgerald aimed to capture the attention of the new coaching staff during spring training. While he showed flashes of his potential on Tuesday, it might be a case of too little, too late for him to secure a spot on the roster.
In Arizona, Fitzgerald has managed just four hits in 26 at-bats, translating to a .154 batting average. Despite the low average, his hits have been impactful, including three doubles and a two-run homer against the Cleveland Guardians.
Fitzgerald faces an uphill battle to make the team this spring. Competing with Casey Schmitt and Christian Koss for a coveted infield spot, he needed a standout performance to sway the decision in his favor. Although the Giants have a tough choice ahead regarding their infield lineup, Fitzgerald seems unlikely to be part of that conversation.
Rewind to last year, and Fitzgerald was the frontrunner for the Opening Day second baseman role. His impressive 2024 campaign, where he hit .280/.334/.497 with 15 homers and 34 RBIs, earned him that distinction. Even with the offseason signing of Willy Adames, moving Fitzgerald to second base appeared to be a natural fit.
Early in 2025, Fitzgerald showed promise, but a rib injury derailed his momentum. His subsequent demotion allowed Schmitt to take over at second base. The Giants later experimented by placing Fitzgerald in the outfield, but his bat didn't justify extended playing time, as evidenced by his .217/.278/.327 slash line with four homers and 14 RBIs over 72 games.
It's unfortunate that Fitzgerald's offensive struggles have overshadowed his other talents. His speed, evidenced by 26 stolen bases over the last two seasons, and defensive versatility-having played every position except catcher-make him a valuable asset.
There's still a chance we might see Fitzgerald back in the Giants lineup in 2026, particularly if injuries arise. If he can rediscover his 2024 form at the plate, Fitzgerald could yet make a significant impact in San Francisco.