The Twins made a notable move by trading for first baseman Eric Wagaman from the Marlins. In exchange, they sent minor league pitcher Kade Bragg to Miami. This trade came after Wagaman had been designated for assignment just days earlier. To open a spot for Wagaman on their 40-man roster, the Twins also DFA’d infielder Ryan Fitzgerald.
Wagaman, 28, has had a winding journey. He spent years in the Yankees’ minor league system before the Angels picked him in the 2023 Rule 5 draft. He debuted with Los Angeles but struggled with his hitting, leading to his DFA. After becoming a free agent, he signed with the Marlins and played a full season in 2025. In 140 games, he posted a .250 batting average with a .674 OPS, hitting nine home runs and stealing four bases. Defensively, he mainly played first base but also had experience in the outfield and at third base. Given his average performance at a position that typically demands strong hitting, it was no shock when the Marlins parted ways with him. However, the Twins seem to see more potential in his ability at the plate.
Bragg, 24, was drafted by the Twins in the 17th round in 2023 and made his professional debut in 2024. Unfortunately, he faced injuries that kept him sidelined. When he returned in 2025, he showed promise, moving quickly through the ranks from Single-A to Double-A while maintaining a 2.94 ERA over 67 innings. Despite this, he hasn’t garnered much attention from prospect analysts, which suggests the Twins might not have held him in high regard. Luckily for him, the Marlins could turn his career around.
Fitzgerald, now 31, had a unique path to the majors. He started in independent ball, caught the Red Sox’s eye, and signed a minor league contract. A few years later, he was taken by the Royals in the Rule 5 draft but couldn’t break through with them. After joining the Twins, he made his MLB debut at almost 31, performing decently both in the majors and Triple-A. However, this wasn’t enough to secure a long-term spot with Minnesota. With roster decisions ahead, he might find himself traded or placed on waivers soon.
In recent statistics, the average lifespan of a major league player on a team’s roster is only about 5.6 years, a reflection of the competitive nature of baseball. Trades like these can shake up dynamics, reveal coaches’ or executives’ strategies, and highlight players’ potential.
As fans follow these developments, it’s clear how fast the landscape of baseball can change. Social media buzzes with reactions, ranging from supporters excited about Wagaman’s potential to skeptics questioning Fitzgerald’s DFA. This trade demonstrates how quickly teams adapt, searching for the right mix of talent and performance to stay competitive. You can read more detailed analyses from trusted sources like ESPN or MLB.com to stay updated on team strategies and player performances.
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eric wagaman,ryan fitzgerald,kade bragg
