Twins Add Depth With Eric Wagaman Trade and Orlando Arcia Signing as 2026 Roster Takes Shape

The Minnesota Twins continue to take a methodical, depth-focused approach to the offseason as they prepare for the 2026 campaign. While the moves may not grab national headlines, they reflect a front office intent on strengthening the margins of the roster — an area that often separates playoff contenders from teams left watching October baseball from home.

Over the span of just two days, the Twins completed two low-risk transactions that could quietly play a role in the upcoming season: a trade with the Miami Marlins for first baseman Eric Wagaman, followed by the signing of veteran shortstop Orlando Arcia to a minor league deal.

Individually, neither move drastically alters the franchise’s outlook. Collectively, however, they speak volumes about how Minnesota is building toward 2026.

Twins Trade for Eric Wagaman in Deal With Marlins

On Friday, the Twins finalized a trade with the Miami Marlins, sending left-handed pitcher Kade Bragg to Miami in exchange for first baseman Eric Wagaman.

Wagaman, who just completed his rookie season at age 28, fits the profile of a depth-first acquisition. He is not expected to be a middle-of-the-order bat or everyday starter, but he does provide something the Twins value highly: reliable bench coverage.

Eric Wagaman’s Offensive Profile

At the plate, Wagaman offers limited upside. He is not known for power, and his batting average has hovered around replacement level. That said, his skill set is not without value.

• Can handle first base competently

• Provides a right-handed bat off the bench

• Offers lineup flexibility in late-game situations

For a team navigating injuries, rest days, and matchup-based substitutions across a long season, having a capable backup at first base is far preferable to scrambling for internal stopgaps.

In short, Wagaman raises the floor, even if he does not raise the ceiling.

What the Marlins Get: Kade Bragg’s Upside

From Miami’s perspective, the return is a pitcher with intriguing long-term potential.

Kade Bragg was selected by the Twins in the 17th round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Angelo State University, a smaller program that has quietly produced several professional arms. Despite his modest draft pedigree, Bragg has quickly shown that he can compete at higher levels.

Strong Double-A Performance

During the 2025 season, Bragg pitched out of the bullpen for Double-A Wichita, where he delivered a very solid campaign:

• 3.22 ERA

• 22 1/3 innings pitched

• WHIP around 1.00

• Strong command and control profile

At just 24 years old, Bragg is still developing, but his ability to limit baserunners and throw strikes consistently gives him a legitimate chance to factor into the Marlins’ bullpen down the road.

For a rebuilding Miami team, converting a bench bat into a potential future reliever makes strategic sense.

Twins Prioritize Immediate Depth Over Long-Term Projection

This trade highlights a philosophical difference between the two clubs.

• Twins: focused on short-term depth and roster flexibility

• Marlins: focused on long-term upside and player development

Neither side “won” the deal outright. Instead, both teams addressed organizational needs in a pragmatic way.

For Minnesota, Wagaman fills a specific role for 2026 without costing a premium prospect. For Miami, Bragg represents a low-cost arm who could contribute in future seasons.

Twins Sign Orlando Arcia to Minor League Deal

The day after the Wagaman trade, Minnesota added another layer of depth by signing Orlando Arcia to a minor league contract.

Arcia is a familiar name around the league, having spent time with the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, and Colorado Rockies. Most recently, he split the 2025 season between Atlanta and Colorado — and offensively, it was a difficult year.

A Down Year at the Plate

In 2025, Arcia posted a 33 wRC+, a steep decline from his career average of approximately 80. The drop-off was severe enough that he was no longer viewed as an everyday option.

However, focusing solely on his most recent season ignores the broader context of his career.

Orlando Arcia’s Proven Track Record

Just two seasons ago, Arcia enjoyed one of the best years of his career.

In 2023, he:

• Earned an All-Star selection

• Produced 1.7 WAR

• Served as a steady defensive presence at shortstop

While he has never been an elite offensive player, Arcia has consistently provided solid defense, positional versatility, and clubhouse experience — traits that remain valuable, especially on a minor league deal with no guaranteed roster spot.

What Arcia’s Signing Means for the Twins

The key takeaway from Arcia’s signing is insurance.

The Twins currently project Brooks Lee as their starting shortstop entering 2026. Lee remains one of the organization’s most important young players, but as with any developing hitter, struggles are possible.

If Lee falters early in the season, Minnesota now has a veteran option who:

• Knows how to handle major league pitching

• Can play shortstop at a competent defensive level

• Has experience stepping into high-pressure situations

In that scenario, it would not be surprising to see Arcia appear in more than a few games for the Twins during the 2026 season.

Low Risk, Potential Reward

The beauty of both the Wagaman trade and the Arcia signing lies in their minimal downside.

• Wagaman costs the Twins nothing financially significant

• Arcia’s deal does not guarantee a roster spot

• Neither move blocks top prospects

• Both add depth where it is needed most

Over a 162-game season, teams rarely succeed with just their Opening Day lineup. Injuries, slumps, and roster churn are inevitable, and organizations that prepare for those realities tend to outperform those that don’t.

A Clear Offseason Strategy Emerging

Taken together, these moves reveal a clear strategy from the Twins’ front office:

• Build quietly

• Strengthen the bench

• Create fallback options

• Avoid overcommitting resources

This approach may lack flash, but it often pays dividends when the season begins to grind.

Final Thoughts: Small Moves That Matter

The Twins’ acquisition of Eric Wagaman and signing of Orlando Arcia won’t dominate headlines, but they could prove meaningful over the course of the 2026 season.

Wagaman provides immediate depth at first base. Arcia offers experienced insurance at shortstop. And both moves reflect a front office that understands how thin a roster can become over six months of baseball.

If Minnesota finds itself in contention late in the year, these seemingly minor transactions may be remembered as smart, understated decisions that helped keep the team afloat when it mattered most.