Why the Twins Let Ryan Fitzgerald Go for Orlando Arcia: Was It the Right Move?

The Minnesota Twins have made significant roster changes this offseason, including the high-profile signing of infielder Orlando Arcia. However, the team’s decision to designate Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. The Los Angeles Dodgers recently claimed Fitzgerald off waivers, fueling the debate: why didn’t the Twins simply keep him instead?

Ryan Fitzgerald’s MLB and Minor League Performance

Ryan Fitzgerald, 31, appeared in 24 games for the Twins last season, recording:

• .196 batting average

• .302 on-base percentage

• .457 slugging percentage (106 OPS+)

• 4 home runs and 9 RBIs in 53 plate appearances

While these numbers might seem modest, they don’t tell the full story. Fitzgerald’s limited MLB sample showed flashes of above-average potential, particularly in terms of power and versatility. In addition, his sprint speed ranked in the 79th percentile, indicating that he could contribute on the basepaths and in the field.

Minor League Success

Fitzgerald earned his Major League opportunity thanks to a strong 2025 campaign with Triple-A St. Paul:

• .277/.367/.469 slash line

• 7 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 30 runs scored in 245 plate appearances

• 5 stolen bases

• Played 59 games across all four infield positions

His ability to handle multiple infield spots made him an attractive candidate for a utility role, which is increasingly valuable in today’s MLB roster construction.

Twins Trade Moves and Roster Shuffling

The Twins’ decision to designate Fitzgerald for assignment came as part of a broader offseason shakeup. Minnesota made room on their 40-man roster for first baseman Eric Wagaman, acquired from the Miami Marlins in exchange for pitching prospect Kade Bragg.

As a result, Fitzgerald was claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who saw potential value in a versatile, experienced infielder. Despite being low in the waiver order, the Dodgers’ decision to claim him indicates that at least one contending team viewed Fitzgerald as a valuable addition—perhaps as injury insurance or a future utility piece.

Comparing Fitzgerald and Orlando Arcia

The Twins opted to sign Orlando Arcia, a former Braves shortstop, rather than retain Fitzgerald. Let’s break down the key differences between the two:

Arcia’s advantages:

• Established defensive skills and a solid track record

• Proven MLB consistency, providing a known quantity

• Familiarity with team-building expectations

Fitzgerald’s advantages:

• Higher offensive upside, as shown in Triple-A and limited MLB time

• Utility capability, able to play all four infield spots

• Athleticism, with speed and versatility that can contribute in multiple scenarios

In essence, the Twins chose the known defensive consistency of Arcia over the potential offensive upside and flexibility of Fitzgerald.

Why the Twins Might Have Made the Move

Several factors likely influenced Minnesota’s decision:

1. Roster Security: Arcia provides a predictable, reliable presence on defense, whereas Fitzgerald’s limited MLB experience introduced uncertainty.

2. Immediate Fit: The Twins may have valued Arcia’s experience in high-leverage situations, particularly in the American League Central, where infield defense is critical.

3. Payroll Considerations: Fitzgerald could have required a minor league option shuffle or arbitration considerations, whereas Arcia is likely a more plug-and-play solution.

4. Front Office Philosophy: Twins executives may prefer veterans with proven MLB track records over players who are still developing at the Major League level.

The Dodgers’ Perspective

The Dodgers claimed Fitzgerald for multiple reasons:

• Versatility: He can fill in across the infield if injuries occur

• Potential: While Fitzgerald’s MLB stats are limited, his Triple-A success suggests he could contribute offensively in the right situation

• Low Risk: With options remaining, the Dodgers can stash him in the minors without committing a full 40-man roster spot

The Dodgers’ claim indicates that even back-of-the-order teams see value in Fitzgerald, raising questions about whether Minnesota missed an opportunity.

The Argument for Keeping Fitzgerald

Critics of the Twins’ move argue that Fitzgerald could have been an impact utilityman, providing a combination of offensive upside and defensive flexibility.

• Potential over certainty: While Arcia is a known quantity, Fitzgerald’s ceiling may be higher if given consistent playing time.

• Cost-effective option: Teams often benefit from retaining control over versatile players with upside rather than paying for veteran stability.

• Depth insurance: In the event of injuries, Fitzgerald could have served as a reliable bench option without disrupting payroll or draft plans.

From this perspective, the decision to sign Arcia over keeping Fitzgerald may be seen as short-term security over long-term upside.

Looking Ahead: Fitzgerald’s Future

Now with the Dodgers, Fitzgerald’s career continues, but the path is different:

• He may spend time in the minors while awaiting opportunities on the MLB roster

• His versatility gives him a chance to break out offensively in a limited role

• The claim may serve as a springboard for renewed MLB exposure, particularly if injuries or trades create openings

Meanwhile, the Twins are banking on Arcia’s consistency to stabilize the infield, though it remains to be seen whether they sacrificed offensive upside in the process.

Conclusion: Risk vs. Reward

The Twins’ decision to let Ryan Fitzgerald go in favor of Orlando Arcia reflects a classic MLB roster management dilemma:

• Arcia offers certainty and defense, a safe choice for a team looking to win now

• Fitzgerald offers upside and versatility, a higher-risk, higher-reward option

By claiming Fitzgerald, the Dodgers signaled that his talent and potential are still valued, suggesting that the Twins may have missed an opportunity to develop a high-ceiling utility player.

For fans and analysts, the debate is clear: while Arcia may provide immediate contributions, Fitzgerald’s departure raises questions about whether the Twins prioritized short-term stability over long-term upside.