Twins Reportedly Calling Up Ryan Fitzgerald: What Can He Offer?

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints (photo of Ryan Fitzgerald)

Before we dive in, here’s the elevator pitch: Ryan Fitzgerald is a 30-year-old utility infielder who went undrafted out of Creighton in 2016. He clawed his way from independent ball into the Red Sox system, spent six years in Boston’s system and another with the Royals’ Triple-A club, before signing a minor-league contract with the Twins and exploding out of the gate in 2025 with St. Paul. Minnesota is tapping Fitzgerald’s hot bat as he has hit .328/.426/.528 (.954) in 35 games. He also has defensive versatility, so the Twins hope he can stabilize the infield, provide pop, and bring a potential spark to a club that has been playing well. 

Play-by-play broadcaster and reporter Jack Connolly reported news of the promotion on Thursday, although as of Friday afternoon the Twins have yet to officially announce it, or any corresponding moves.

UPDATE: The Twins have made it official ahead of Friday night's. Carlos Correa has been placed on the 7-day concussion list and have activated Fitzgerald from the taxi squad. Michael Tonkin was moved to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man for Fitzgerald.

The Circumstances of the Call-Up: Buxton and Correa Collision
On Thursday in Baltimore, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa converged on a shallow fly and violently collided, with Buxton hanging on to complete the catch. After the game, both stars were evaluated and immediately placed into MLB’s concussion protocol. Their exit left a sudden void in the outfield and infield alignment, forcing Minnesota’s hand. 

With Buxton and Correa's availability in question, the Twins moved quickly. The hope in calling up Fitzgerald and selecting his contract, if needed, would be to provide depth insurance and to inject some offense into a lineup that’s rolling but now could be down another key hitter. 

Undrafted Beginnings and Independent Leagues
Fitzgerald went undrafted in 2016 after a solid four-year career at Creighton University, where he earned second-team All-Big East honors as a junior. Rather than step away from baseball, he signed in the independent Frontier League, using that opportunity to showcase his hit tool and athleticism. His performance caught the eye of the Boston Red Sox, who inked him to a minor-league deal in May 2018.

Over six seasons in Boston’s system, Fitzgerald progressed steadily, topping out at Triple-A Worcester in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, he posted a .268/.348/.491 (.839) line with 44 extra-base hits in 99 games. He was scooped up in the minor-league Rule 5 Draft by Kansas City. Last year in Triple-A Omaha, he hit .244/.336/.418 (.755) with 14 home runs and 17 doubles in 108 games. In January 2025, the Twins signed Fitzgerald to a minor-league pact and assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate, the St. Paul Saints.

Explosive Start in St. Paul
Through his first 35 games in St. Paul, Fitzgerald has been nothing short of sensational, hitting .328 with a .426 OBP and .528 SLG for a staggering .954 OPS. He’s racked up 11 doubles, four homers, 21 RBI, and drawn 15 walks, showing a mature approach at the plate that contrasts sharply with his more modest 2024 numbers.

Originally a shortstop, Fitzgerald has logged over 331 games at the position, plus more than 140 at third base and 104 at second, along with spot duty in all three outfield spots and even first base. That defensive flexibility is something the Twins highly value, especially on a roster that could be missing multiple top defenders.

What Does Fitzgerald Bring to the Table?

1. Offensive Ability
Fitzgerald’s 2025 Triple-A numbers speak for themselves: an aggressive but selective hitter who can pepper the gaps and drive the ball out of the park. His .426 on-base percentage shows he’s not chasing bad pitches, and his 12.8% walk rate is a career-best. He has flashed power with double-digit homers every season since 2021, suggesting the ceiling isn’t just a slap-hit utility guy.

2. Defensive Flexibility
Few call-ups can slot into multiple spots the way Fitzgerald can. Whether shoring up the keystone, moving to the hot corner, or giving an outfielder a breather, his seven-position profile is rare. His focus this season has been on shortstop, which might be where he gets the most playing time with the Twins.

The Twins have long valued veteran presence in their upper minors, and Fitzgerald’s journey from undrafted free agent to big-league call-up embodies that ethos. While no one expects him to replace Correa, Fitzgerald offers a blend of production, polish, and versatility that could prove vital over the next week or two. If he continues to tap into the hot stretch he rode in St. Paul, Fitzgerald could find himself holding down a bench role or even earning everyday at-bats by the time other players return from injury.

Regardless of how long Correa is out, Fitzgerald’s story reminds us why baseball loves underdogs. His potential addition is a reward for persistence and a shot of energy for a team that suddenly finds themselves in the middle of a playoff race.

What is Fitzgerald's ceiling? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[tony&rodney]

Fitzgerald has been playing a very good shortstop for the Saints. His hitting has been solid too. This is an encouraging move.

[Mike Sixel]

Likely means CC is going on IL. 

[Rod Carews Birthday]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Likely means CC is going on IL. 

Could be.  Buxton too probably.  Do we know what concussion protocol looks like in MLB?  Is it a certain number of days minimum, or is it passing tests, or is it number of games?  Let's just hope they are OK when they return. 

[Muppet]

Glad to see someone other than Gasper get a chance. Hopefully he's a more than another AAAAer. 

[h2oface]

The next Mickey Gasper (isn’t he doing great again ….   in AAA ball, too?) 2 week experiment? Originally a shortstop that can take the field anywhere except catcher. Of course he can. Wouldn’t it be nice to have REAL depth, instead of “what a great story“ depth?

[mickster]

5 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

Could be.  Buxton too probably.  Do we know what concussion protocol looks like in MLB?  Is it a certain number of days minimum, or is it passing tests, or is it number of games?  Let's just hope they are OK when they return. 

7 day IL stint, that moves to 10 if tests are not passed

 

[HelmetTip]

Klemens. Gaspar. Bride. Keirsey Jr. Now Fitzgerald. 

If pennants were won by picking up aging rookies (or near-rookies) our beloved club would already have the Central locked up. 

That said, I hope he flourishes! 

[jorgenswest]

Congratulations to Ryan!

Imagine the work and dedication to go undrafted and start in the independent leagues in 2017. Ten stops and 8 years later Fitzgerald is a major leaguer.

 

[mrtwinsfan]

11 minutes ago, h2oface said:

The next Mickey Gasper (isn’t he doing great again ….   in AAA ball, too?) 2 week experiment? Wouldn’t it be nice to have REAL depth, instead of “what a great story“ depth?

Kid deserves a shot--  seen enough of Mario Gasper  we know what he cant do in the Majors 

[h2oface]

1 minute ago, mrtwinsfan said:

Kid deserves a shot--  seen enough of Mario Gasper  we know what he cant do in the Majors 

I wasn’t calling for Gasper, and a 30 year old man is not a kid anymore, for a long time. 

[mrtwinsfan]

1 minute ago, h2oface said:

I wasn’t calling for Gasper, and a 30 year old man is not a kid anymore, for a long time. 

Im 83  your all kids to me !!!!!

[Western SD Fan]

35 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Likely means CC is going on IL. 

Maybe this also gives CC a chance to rehab his other ailments depending on how serious the concussion is.  Hopefully, it's just a couple days even though he'll have to spend the entire 7-day IL stint.

[jorgenswest]

I would definitely give Gasper another shot. He has a significant stretch of success in AAA and a very small sample in the majors with scattered at bats. He has a career OBP of over .400 in high A, AA and AAA. His older age at the levels probably was a factor in not getting a sustained shot in the majors.

 

 

 

 

[mrtwinsfan]

13 minutes ago, h2oface said:

I wasn’t calling for Gasper, and a 30 year old man is not a kid anymore, for a long time. 

And all i meant was , they have to call up ?????  just glad NOT  Gasper--AGAIN

[mnfireman]

1 minute ago, jorgenswest said:

I would definitely give Gasper another shot. He has a significant stretch of success in AAA and a very small sample in the majors with scattered at bats. He has a career OBP of over .400 in high A, AA and AAA. His older age at the levels probably was a factor in not getting a sustained shot in the majors.

 

 

 

 

If Correa is headed to the IL, the team needs someone who can play SS; Gasper's defense at 2B tells me he can't play SS. There also will have to be a corresponding move of someone to the 60 day IL.

[Western SD Fan]

If Fitz does come up, that does require a 40-man move.  Maybe Tonkin or Wallner gets shifted to the 60-day IL. Potentially, Gasper ends up getting DFA'd with the understanding he would re-sign a minor league contract.  A 40-man move would also have to be made if McCusker was brought up to the Twins as well.    

[Chris Hove]

I've been asking about Fitzgerald for a while. He can handle the bat.

[chpettit19]

Reports I'm seeing are that he's on the taxi squad, not a true call up. Yet. Going to be an hr plus before we know if Correa or Buxton go on the IL and Fitzgerald is truly getting the call.

Edit: I see the article has been updated with this info.

[DocBauer]

I don't expect a lot from his bat, but I'd at least expect a professional approach. That means he might hold his own, but probably won't be any kind of impact hitter.

What i saw defensively in ST i really liked. I thought he looked really smooth with solid range and arm. I thought he might be a potential call up not only to versatility, but it means Lee doesn't HAVE to play SS. So it allows him to still play 2B/3B as needed.

But with all due respect to Fitzgerald, I hope he doesn't get to play because CC checks out OK today.

[HarmonK03]

49 minutes ago, mnfireman said:

If Correa is headed to the IL, the team needs someone who can play SS; Gasper's defense at 2B tells me he can't play SS. There also will have to be a corresponding move of someone to the 60 day IL.

They have two players who can handle SS in Lee and Castro and Lewis could slide there if Rocco decides to play his Jenga games as well.  We could use a bat, if you are going to make a 40 man move on an unproven player bring up McCusker who would fill a potential need.  We don't need a team of 10 players that can play all positions.  This isn't about McCusker, this is about what the needs are with the injuries and that is a bat not another utility player.

[Doctor Gast]

I don't care how old Fritz is, if he's playing well, he deserves to be called up & given a chance. Good luck Fritz

[mnfireman]

6 minutes ago, karcherd said:

They have two players who can handle SS in Lee and Castro and Lewis could slide there if Rocco decides to play his Jenga games as well.  We could use a bat, if you are going to make a 40 man move on an unproven player bring up McCusker who would fill a potential need.  We don't need a team of 10 players that can play all positions.  This isn't about McCusker, this is about what the needs are with the injuries and that is a bat not another utility player.

Bader has a groin injury and Buxton is in concussion protocol, McCrusher may get a call as well...

[jorgenswest]

With the Guardian series on Monday the Twins should try to keep that door open for Buxton and Correa though it means a very short bench for the Brewer games.

[HarmonK03]

2 minutes ago, mnfireman said:

Bader has a groin injury and Buxton is in concussion protocol, McCrusher may get a call as well...

I doubt they would make two moves to the 40 man.  My feeling is Gasper is the next man called up if someone is needed and he does not belong in the major leagues.

[Chris Hove]

I love McCusker but the Twins have a logjam in the OF. Now even if Buxton, and Bader go on the IL it wouldn't make sense. They would still have Castro, Larnach, Keirsey JR, and Clemens on the active roster. I think they would go with more exp. With Austin Martin. They would probably look at Rodriguez as well. Wallner will be back as well so it's tough that McCusker plays outfield. I think they should call him up soon though.

[Mike Sixel]

18 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

With the Guardian series on Monday the Twins should try to keep that door open for Buxton and Correa though it means a very short bench for the Brewer games.

Disagree. Win the games in front of you.

[jorgenswest]

1 minute ago, Mike Sixel said:

Disagree. Win the games in front of you.

Concur. My sentiments every time they bring in Duran to close a game instead of trying to get by and save him for the next game.

I wonder how much Fitzgerald on the bench moves the needle. His career AAA numbers with the bat are significantly below Clemons and Bride. I wouldn’t start him ahead of them. He hasn’t primarily been a shortstop in the minors so it seems unlikely he would have a plus or even league average glove there. Does it move the needle enough to put him on the bench and risk not have Correa or Buxton for the Guardians series?

The Twins could be dangerously think today with one option on the bench assuming Bader needs more time also. Maybe it is enough of a needle mover to make sure they have coverage in case two go down today.

[mrtwinsfan]

2 hours ago, mnfireman said:

If Correa is headed to the IL, the team needs someone who can play SS; Gasper's defense at 2B tells me he can't play SS. There also will have to be a corresponding move of someone to the 60 day IL.

 There also will have to be a corresponding move of someone to the 60 day IL.-- ??  Wallner or Kuechell ?

[Patzky]

46 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

Concur. My sentiments every time they bring in Duran to close a game instead of trying to get by and save him for the next game.

I wonder how much Fitzgerald on the bench moves the needle. His career AAA numbers with the bat are significantly below Clemons and Bride. I wouldn’t start him ahead of them. He hasn’t primarily been a shortstop in the minors so it seems unlikely he would have a plus or even league average glove there. Does it move the needle enough to put him on the bench and risk not have Correa or Buxton for the Guardians series?

The Twins could be dangerously think today with one option on the bench assuming Bader needs more time also. Maybe it is enough of a needle mover to make sure they have coverage in case two go down today.

What are the odds we lose someone again today? Wait.. about the same odds we'd win 11 in a row. Be safe and win Twins!