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

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.