REPORT: 🚨 The Twins have made a move to address first base, acquiring Eric Wagaman in a trade with the Marlins. The swap adds a new option to Minnesota’s lineup as the team looks to strengthen its depth moving forward (J)

Twins Strengthen Corner Infield Depth by Acquiring Eric Wagaman From Marlins

The Minnesota Twins continued reshaping their roster ahead of the 2026 season with a targeted move aimed at improving depth along the corner infield. On Friday, the Twins acquired first baseman Eric Wagaman from the Miami Marlins in exchange for minor-league left-handed reliever Kade Bragg, a deal that reflects Minnesota’s focus on versatility, roster flexibility, and incremental upgrades rather than splashy moves.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Twins designated infielder Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment, signaling a willingness to shuffle the back end of the roster as the front office fine-tunes its depth chart.

While the trade may not dominate national headlines, it represents a calculated move by the Twins — one that could pay dividends over the course of a long season.

Eric Wagaman Brings Experience and Versatility to Minnesota

At 28 years old, Eric Wagaman joins the Twins following his first full Major League season, which he spent with the Marlins in 2025. Wagaman appeared in 140 games, serving primarily as Miami’s everyday first baseman while also logging innings at multiple positions.

Over 514 plate appearances, Wagaman posted a .250/.296/.378 slash line, collecting:

119 hits
28 doubles
3 triples
9 home runs
53 RBIs
56 runs scored

He finished the year with 180 total bases, a .674 OPS, and an 85 wRC+, numbers that place him slightly below league average offensively but solid for a role player or platoon option. He also added modest value on the bases, stealing four bases in five attempts, and grounded into 11 double plays.

While Wagaman is not a power-first bat, his production stabilized as the season progressed — a trend that did not go unnoticed by Minnesota’s front office.

Strong Finish to the Season Boosted His Value

One of the most encouraging aspects of Wagaman’s 2025 campaign was how he performed down the stretch.

In September, Wagaman hit an impressive .328 over 61 at-bats, showing improved contact quality and consistency. Expanding the sample further, from August 1 through the end of the season, he posted a .291/.341/.472 slash line across 138 plate appearances, with 13 extra-base hits during that span.

Those numbers suggest Wagaman made tangible adjustments at the plate, becoming more effective against both velocity and breaking pitches — an important development for a hitter entering his late 20s.

Additionally, Wagaman has demonstrated relative success against left-handed pitching. Over his career, he owns a .267/.302/.429 slash line in 202 plate appearances versus southpaws, compared to more modest results against right-handers. That split could make him particularly useful in a platoon role.

Defensive Flexibility Fits the Twins’ Roster Philosophy

Defensively, Wagaman profiles as a versatile corner player. During the 2025 season, he:

Started 94 games at first base
Logged limited time in left field, right field, and third base
Appeared at designated hitter

This positional flexibility is valuable for a Twins roster that already features multiple left-handed bats and veteran corner options. While Wagaman is unlikely to supplant Josh Bell as the primary first baseman, his ability to move around the diamond gives manager Rocco Baldelli additional lineup flexibility.

Minnesota recently signed Bell to a one-year, $7 million contract, and Bell is expected to receive regular playing time. Wagaman projects as a complementary piece — capable of spelling Bell, facing left-handed pitching, or filling in at multiple positions when injuries arise.

A Long and Winding Path to Minnesota

Wagaman’s journey to the Twins has been anything but linear.

Originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the 13th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Wagaman spent several seasons in their minor league system but never cracked the big-league roster. In December 2023, he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

That move ultimately led to his MLB debut in September 2024, when he appeared in 18 games for the Angels, primarily at third base. After being designated for assignment, Wagaman elected free agency, signed with the Marlins, and finally secured consistent playing time in 2025.

Ironically, Miami designated him for assignment again in late December as they retooled their roster — opening the door for Minnesota to acquire him at a modest cost.

Twins Part With Reliever Kade Bragg

In exchange for Wagaman, the Twins sent Kade Bragg, a 24-year-old left-handed reliever selected in the 17th round of the 2023 MLB Draft, to Miami.

Bragg’s professional career has been slowed by injury, as he missed most of the 2024 season. However, he returned healthy in 2025 and pitched across three minor-league levels:

Low-A Fort Myers
High-A Cedar Rapids
Double-A Wichita

Across 67 1/3 innings, Bragg posted:

2.94 ERA
3.73 FIP
82 strikeouts
6 home runs allowed

Bragg showed the ability to miss bats and limit damage, traits that likely appealed to the Marlins as they continue rebuilding their pitching pipeline. While he is not considered a top-tier prospect, his left-handed profile gives him a realistic path to the majors as a bullpen option.

Ryan Fitzgerald Designated for Assignment

To complete the transaction, Minnesota designated Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment.

Fitzgerald, 31, made his MLB debut during the 2025 season, appearing in 24 games at the major league level. While his big-league production was limited, he performed well at Triple-A, posting a .837 OPS and 119 wRC+ across 59 games.

The Twins now have a limited window to either trade Fitzgerald or place him on waivers. His offensive production at Triple-A could make him an attractive depth option for another organization.

Why This Trade Makes Sense for Minnesota

From a broader perspective, this deal aligns neatly with the Twins’ roster-building strategy.

Minnesota:

Adds a major-league-ready corner bat
Improves depth without sacrificing top prospects
Gains positional flexibility
Takes a low-risk flyer on a player trending upward late in the season

Wagaman may not be a star, but players of his profile often play meaningful roles over a 162-game schedule. Injuries, platoon matchups, and rest days make depth essential, especially for a team hoping to contend in a competitive American League Central.

Final Thoughts

The Twins’ acquisition of Eric Wagaman is a subtle but smart move — one that reinforces the importance of depth and versatility in modern roster construction. While Wagaman is unlikely to be an everyday centerpiece, his recent offensive surge, defensive flexibility, and experience across multiple organizations make him a valuable addition.

For Minnesota, the cost was minimal. For Wagaman, the trade represents another opportunity to carve out a lasting role in the majors. As the 2026 season approaches, this type of under-the-radar move could prove more impactful than it initially appears.