Minnesota Twins Trade Kade Bragg for Eric Wagaman: First 2026 Roster Move Brings Right-Handed Power

The Minnesota Twins kicked off their 2026 offseason moves on Friday, making a subtle yet intriguing adjustment to their roster. Always tinkering with the edges, the Twins traded minor-league left-hander Kade Bragg to the Miami Marlins in exchange for first baseman Eric Wagaman, who was recently designated for assignment. To create space on their 40-man roster, Minnesota designated shortstop Ryan Fitzgerald, who saw his first major league action with the team in 2025.

The move, first reported by Dan Hayes of The Athletic, represents a low-risk, high-upside approach for the Twins. While not a blockbuster deal, it reflects the organization’s ongoing philosophy of blending matchup value, positional flexibility, and affordable talent while also highlighting their desire to inject more right-handed power into a lineup that could benefit from it.

Who is Eric Wagaman?

Eric Wagaman, 28, is a right-handed hitter with size and raw power. After spending the 2025 season as the Miami Marlins’ primary first baseman, Wagaman posted a .250/.296/.378 slash line over 140 games, with 28 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, and 53 RBIs. While his overall numbers may appear modest, a closer look reveals some of the tools the Twins hope to unlock.

Hitting Mechanics and Plate Discipline

Wagaman made notable improvements in 2025. His bat speed increased by 2.3 mph compared to his brief stint with the Angels in 2024, and he moved the contact point 7.2 inches farther out in front of his frame, flattening his swing plane to better square up the ball.

At 6’3” and 215 pounds, Wagaman’s short swing prevents excessive misses, and his disciplined approach against pitches on the edges of the strike zone helped him avoid chasing balls outside the zone. While he’s not a natural athlete and is defensively limited to first base, his ability to hit for power, especially against left-handed pitching, aligns with the Twins’ strategy of maximizing matchups and run production.

Kade Bragg: What the Twins Gave Up

On the other side of the deal, the Twins parted with Kade Bragg, a left-handed pitcher who split 2025 between Low-A Fort Myers, High-A Cedar Rapids, and Double-A Wichita. A 17th-round pick in 2023, Bragg pitched 67 1/3 innings with 82 strikeouts and a 2.94 ERA, showing flashes of potential as a bullpen arm or swing starter in the minors.

While Bragg’s upside is intriguing, the Twins clearly prioritized immediate major league readiness and right-handed power over longer-term pitching depth in this particular move. Turning a lower-level prospect into a player who can contribute at the MLB level immediately is considered a smart, low-risk transaction for the organization.

How Wagaman Fits Into the Twins’ 2026 Roster

Wagaman’s addition brings both opportunity and questions regarding the Twins’ lineup construction. With veteran Josh Bell and newly acquired Kody Clemens already in the mix, Minnesota has multiple corner infield options. Wagaman can serve as a platoon partner with Bell, providing a lefty-righty balance and giving the lineup more flexibility against southpaw pitchers.

However, the trade also creates positional constraints. Wagaman is a poor defender outside of first base, which reduces defensive versatility. Meanwhile, designating Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment weakens the shortstop backup depth, potentially limiting roster flexibility during the long season.

Possible Roster Solutions

To maximize Wagaman’s value, the Twins could pursue several strategies:

1. Trade Trevor Larnach – Moving Larnach could free up space in the outfield, allowing the Twins to maintain both Wagaman and Bell at first base without compromising playing time for other corner outfielders.

2. Clemens as a Utility Option – Kody Clemens could be rotated between second base and corner outfield, letting Wagaman platoon at first while maintaining lineup balance.

3. Luke Keaschall’s Outfield Role – Pushing Keaschall into more outfield opportunities, including center field, would allow Byron Buxton to DH when Bell is at first base, keeping top offensive contributors in the lineup consistently.

While these adjustments require careful planning, the Twins’ front office clearly values bat speed, right-handed matchups, and frugality, even if it comes at the cost of defensive depth or clear-cut positional roles.

Offensive Upside and Matchup Potential

Wagaman’s right-handed power is perhaps the most significant addition. Against left-handed pitching, he has historically performed better, and Minnesota can exploit platoon advantages in critical games.

For a lineup that relies on Josh Bell’s consistency, Kody Clemens’ versatility, and Byron Buxton’s speed, Wagaman’s presence adds a power component that was somewhat missing in 2025. Even if his defensive limitations prevent him from starting every day, his ability to produce in high-leverage offensive situations can be a meaningful difference in the AL Central race.

Financial and Roster Implications

Minnesota’s 2025 Opening Day payroll sat at $143 million, but with Wagaman’s addition and Bragg’s departure, the team gains a cost-effective piece who won’t significantly impact payroll. The Twins continue to maintain flexibility to pursue additional moves, whether it’s trading veterans or adding bullpen arms, while keeping room for prospects with breakout potential.

Designating Fitzgerald, meanwhile, signals that the Twins prioritize immediate MLB readiness over minor league upside at this stage, highlighting a win-now mentality for the 2026 season while balancing the long-term development pipeline.

Final Thoughts: Low-Risk, High-Reward Move

The Twins’ acquisition of Eric Wagaman for Kade Bragg represents a calculated, low-risk move with potential upside. Fans should view this trade as part of a broader offseason strategy that emphasizes:

• Matchup value with right-handed power at first base.

• Roster flexibility in a crowded corner infield and outfield situation.

• Cost-effective talent acquisition to manage payroll and retain flexibility for other moves.

While the trade raises questions about defensive depth and backup options, the upside in offensive production could be a difference-maker in tight games. For the Twins, who are always balancing prospect development with MLB competitiveness, Wagaman represents a key piece in the puzzle for 2026.