Giants Assign Tyler Fitzgerald for MLB Roster Review
The San Francisco Giants have designated infielder/outfielder Tyler Fitzgerald for assignment. The move clears a 40-man roster spot for right-hander Dylan Smith.
Smith was acquired from the Detroit Tigers, according to reports. He has been optioned to Triple-A Sacramento.
Fitzgerald’s recent performance
Fitzgerald broke out offensively in 2024 during his rookie season at age 26. Over 96 games and 341 plate appearances, he hit .280/.334/.497 with 15 home runs and 17 steals.
That season followed a strong 2023 minor-league campaign. He had 22 homers and 32 stolen bases in the minors in 2023.
Underlying numbers suggested regression. His .380 BABIP and a 31.7 percent strikeout rate raised durability concerns.
2025 decline and injuries
Fitzgerald struggled much more in 2025. He opened as the Giants’ top option at second base but started slowly.
He landed on the injured list in early May with a rib fracture. He missed 12 days and returned to continued offensive struggles.
Late in June the club optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento. He was recalled a week later and shuffled between the majors and Triple-A the rest of the year.
He finished 2025 with a .217/.278/.327 slash line and a 28.8 percent strikeout rate. At 28 years old, he is in his final option year.
Roster dynamics and depth chart
The Giants added Luis Arraez in the offseason to play second base under new skipper Tony Vitello. That move removed Fitzgerald’s clearest path to regular playing time.
Matt Chapman is pegged at third base and Willy Adames at shortstop. Corner outfield spots are occupied by Heliot Ramos and Jung Hoo Lee, with Harrison Bader signed to play center.
The bench already includes versatile options. Christian Koss filled an infield/outfield role and produced better major-league results last year. Jerar Encarnacion is out of minor-league options and cannot be sent down.
Other depth pieces include minor-league signee Jared Oliva, who offers plus speed and a strong glove. A roster spot is also reserved for backup catcher Daniel Susac.
Top prospect Bryce Eldridge’s eventual return could further compress the bench. That move might push Casey Schmitt into a utility role, after Schmitt has already played three games at first base.
Defensive profile and tools
Fitzgerald does not grade highly at shortstop in the majors. He does have plus marks at second base, however.
He can also handle third base and corner outfield duty. Statcast ranked his sprint speed in the 97th percentile at 29.7 feet per second.
What comes next
The Giants have five days to trade Fitzgerald or place him on waivers. Running him through waivers would add a 48-hour process.
The DFA will be resolved within about a week. Given his versatility and 2024 production, other clubs are likely to show interest.
This roster move is part of a continuing MLB roster review as the Giants reshape depth. Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and report further updates.
