Twins’ trade acquisition could sneak onto 26-man roster if he can handle third base

When the Minnesota Twins acquired Eric Wagaman from the Miami Marlins in exchange for pitching prospect Kade Bragg early last month, it seemed as if Wagaman, 28, would mainly be a first baseman for the Twins. He was Miami's primary first baseman last season, and as a right-handed hitter, he'd be a good option to start against lefties as a first baseman or designated hitter. The former Marlin has a career .267/.302/.429 slash line against lefties in 202 plate appearances. Twins switch-hitting first baseman Josh Bell has been better against righties in recent years, and Kody Clemens, Trevor Larnach, and Matt Wallner all bat from the left side and could be given rest against southpaws in favor of Wagaman.

However, the Twins have since acquired infielders Tristan Gray, Orlando Arcia and Gio Urshela and switch-hitting catcher/first baseman Victor Caratini, putting Wagaman's chances of making Minnesota's Opening Day roster in jeopardy. Wagaman appeared in 19 games in right field, three in left field and three at third base last season while serving as the Marlins' primary first baseman. He struggled defensively, so it seemed unlikely Minnesota would plan to regularly use him anywhere other than first base and designated hitter.

But how the Twins have used Wagaman in spring training thus far suggests the team may be planning to have him on their Opening Day roster. Wagaman, who hit .291/.341/.472 across 138 plate appearances in the last two months of the 2025 season, started at first base in Minnesota's game against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, then surprisingly started at third base in the Twins' game against the Braves on Sunday. He went 0-for-2 on Saturday before going 1-for-3 with a single on Sunday.

Twins' usage of Eric Wagaman in spring training suggests he could make Opening Day roster despite abundance of promising position players in organization

It's interesting that the Twins used Wagaman at third base on Sunday. It was his primary position during his rookie season (2024) with the Los Angeles Angels, but he struggled with -3 Outs Above Average (OAA) in 17 games at the position that year. Miami had him play at the position just three times late in games last year.

The Twins really must want Wagaman on their roster. He has proven he can hit lefties well, making him a valuable platoon option. If he can handle playing third base, which would allow Royce Lewis to get some rest, along with corner outfield, he could make Minnesota's Opening Day roster even with the logjam of position players.