Twins Acquire Eric Wagaman to Bolster Corner Infield Depth

The Minnesota Twins made a strategic roster move Friday, acquiring first baseman Eric Wagaman from the Miami Marlins in exchange for minor league left-handed reliever Kade Bragg. The trade addresses depth at corner infield positions while giving Minnesota a player with experience across multiple positions and a track record of late-season improvement.

To accommodate Wagaman on the 40-man roster, the Twins designated infielder Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment. Fitzgerald, who debuted in the majors this season, will go through waivers or may be traded, creating the roster flexibility Minnesota needed for the addition.

Wagaman, 28, spent the 2025 season with the Marlins, playing his first full season in the majors. Over 140 games, he produced a .250/.296/.378 slash line with nine home runs, 53 RBIs, and 56 runs scored. He also added 28 doubles, three triples, and four stolen bases while posting an 85 wRC+, showing a combination of contact and occasional power.

Defensively, Wagaman is primarily a first baseman, starting 94 games at the position, while also seeing limited action across left field, right field, third base, and as a designated hitter. His September surge, hitting .328 over 61 at-bats, highlighted his ability to contribute late in the season.

1. Wagaman’s Career Path

Eric Wagaman’s path to the majors has spanned three organizations in three seasons. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 13th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, he spent several years in their minor league system before the Los Angeles Angels selected him in the 2023 Rule 5 minor league draft. He made his MLB debut with the Angels in September 2024, appearing in 18 games primarily at third base. After being designated for assignment, Wagaman chose free agency and signed with the Marlins, who gave him the opportunity to serve as their primary first baseman in 2025. His season with Miami included 514 plate appearances across 140 games, showing steady improvement in the final two months. From August 1 through season’s end, he hit .291/.341/.472 with 13 extra-base hits in 138 plate appearances. Wagaman’s performance against left-handed pitchers (.267/.302/.429) adds further versatility for Minnesota’s lineup. The Marlins, adjusting their roster in late December, designated Wagaman for assignment, making him available to the Twins. His combination of experience, positional flexibility, and late-season form made him an appealing target for Minnesota.

2. Impact on Twins’ Roster

The addition of Wagaman bolsters a corner infield rotation that already includes veteran Josh Bell, who signed a one-year, $7 million contract. Bell is expected to see regular playing time, while Wagaman provides depth at first base, designated hitter, and other corner infield roles. Minnesota also has several left-handed hitters who could rotate into the corner infield or DH positions, giving the team flexibility in matchups. Wagaman’s right-handed bat complements this mix and adds insurance in case of injury or rest days for the veterans. By acquiring Wagaman, the Twins aim to strengthen their offensive and defensive options without relying solely on their current roster. His presence provides competition and the potential for lineup optimization, particularly in key late-season games and beyond. The move also reflects Minnesota’s commitment to balancing youth and experience, integrating Wagaman’s versatility with established players to maximize roster efficiency.

3. Bragg and Fitzgerald Transactions

In return for Wagaman, the Marlins received Kade Bragg, a 24-year-old left-handed reliever drafted in the 17th round in 2023. Bragg returned from injury in 2025 to pitch 67 1/3 innings across three minor league levels, posting a 2.94 ERA with 82 strikeouts and a 3.73 FIP, demonstrating his potential as a bullpen contributor. To finalize the roster adjustment, the Twins designated Ryan Fitzgerald, 31, for assignment. Fitzgerald made his MLB debut this past season, appearing in 24 games while producing a .837 OPS and 119 wRC+ over 59 Triple-A contests. Minnesota has a limited window to trade him or place him on waivers, leaving his immediate future uncertain. These moves highlight the Twins’ strategy of addressing immediate roster needs while managing minor league assets. By adding Wagaman and moving Fitzgerald, Minnesota balances depth, performance potential, and long-term flexibility. The Twins now enter 2026 with added corner infield depth and options for both veteran and younger players, positioning the team for greater lineup versatility and adaptability.