The newest member of the Los Angeles Dodgers put together quite the cool narrative in 2025 with the Minnesota Twins.
His name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and he was claimed off waivers by the Dodgers on Friday, according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez.
Fitzgerald began his professional baseball career with 2,868 plate appearances in the minor leagues.
He was originally undrafted out of Creighton, and he had to play a season of independent ball in Gary, Indiana just to get a chance in the Red Sox system.
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He made it as high as Triple-A for Boston. He then spent a year with the Royals' Triple-A affiliate, too, but still no majors.
He joined Minnesota's organization for 2025 and spent the early portions with the St. Paul Saints, back in Triple-A.
But the Twins needed more bodies, and they called Fitzgerald up.
His first MLB hit was a home run.
Ryan Fitzgerald's first MLB hit and first MLB homer, after eight seasons and nearly 3,000 plate appearances in the minors.Pic.twitter.com/52K3jwrOM1
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) August 10, 2025
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He ended up hitting just.196 with the Twins in 24 games, although he did put up a solid.759 OPS. He also played all four infield positions.
The Dodgers are looking for depth pieces behind their star players, and Fitzgerald is logical. He clearly loves the game, and he's versatile, and he's got some pop.
Whether or not he sees time in L.A. This season remains to be seen.
But if he does, it'll be the continuation of an incredible baseball story.
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