The Minnesota Twins have acquired first baseman Eric Wagaman from the Miami Marlins in exchange for minor league pitcher Kade Bragg. Both organizations confirmed the transaction today. Wagaman had been designated for assignment earlier this week by the Marlins. To accommodate Wagaman on their 40-man roster, the Twins designated infielder Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment.
Eric Wagaman (Acquired by Twins)
Wagaman, 28, previously spent multiple years within the New York Yankees' minor league system. He was subsequently selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the minor league portion of the 2023 Rule 5 draft. His Major League Baseball (MLB) debut occurred with the Angels in September of the following year. After being designated for assignment at the conclusion of that season, he elected free agency and then signed with the Marlins. In 2025, Wagaman completed his first full season in MLB. Over 140 games, he recorded a batting line of .250/.296/.378, resulting in a .674 OPS and an 85 wRC+. During this period, he hit nine home runs, successfully stole four bases in five attempts, and grounded into 11 double plays. Defensively, Wagaman primarily played first base, with limited appearances in corner outfield positions and third base. His designation for assignment by the Marlins created a roster spot for trade acquisition Esteury Ruiz.
Kade Bragg (Traded to Marlins)
Bragg, 24, was drafted by the Twins in the 17th round in 2023. He made his professional debut in 2024 but sustained an injury in late April, leading him to miss the remainder of the season. In 2025, after recovering, the left-handed pitcher progressed through Single-A, High-A, and Double-A. Across 67 1/3 innings as a relief pitcher, Bragg posted a 2.94 ERA and a 3.73 FIP, while recording 82 strikeouts and allowing six home runs. His walk rate was noted as a characteristic of his performance. Bragg was not included in recent prospect rankings by Baseball America, MLB Pipeline, or FanGraphs.
Ryan Fitzgerald (Designated for Assignment by Twins)
Fitzgerald, 31, made his MLB debut in 2025. He began his career in independent baseball before signing a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. The Kansas City Royals selected him in the minor league phase of the 2023 Rule 5 draft. He did not reach the majors with the Royals and became a free agent after the 2024 season. Fitzgerald then signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins, leading to his MLB debut a month before his 31st birthday. His initial MLB stint with the Twins was brief, but he was recalled in August following the team's trade deadline activities and remained with the club for the rest of the season. In 59 games at Triple-A, he achieved an .837 OPS and a 119 wRC+, and in 24 MLB games, he recorded a .758 OPS and a 110 wRC+. Fitzgerald demonstrated defensive versatility, playing all four infield positions. The Twins are required to either trade him or place him on waivers within the next five days. If he clears waivers, he could be outrighted to the minor leagues and remain within the Twins organization.