Giants Designate Utility Infielder for Assignment After 3 Seasons

Tyler Fitzgerald, 28, was removed from the 40-man roster as the Giants made roster moves.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of orange, black, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Giants' roster moves demonstrate the competitive nature of MLB, where even a utility player can be removed from the 40-man roster if they don't meet the team's needs.San Diego Today

The San Francisco Giants designated utility infielder Tyler Fitzgerald for assignment on Monday, clearing a spot on the 40-man roster to acquire right-hander Dylan Smith from the Detroit Tigers. Fitzgerald, 28, had been with the Giants organization for the past three seasons, making his MLB debut in 2023, but struggled last year, hitting just .217 with 4 home runs and a .606 OPS in 72 games.

Why it matters

The Giants are off to a slow 0-3 start this season and are looking to shake up their roster. Designating Fitzgerald for assignment means he is no longer on the 40-man roster and could be claimed by another team or sent to the minors if he clears waivers. This move highlights the Giants' efforts to improve their team and find the right mix of players to turn their season around.

The details

In addition to designating Fitzgerald, the Giants also traded outfielder Luis Matos to the Milwaukee Brewers for cash considerations and acquired Dylan Smith from the Detroit Tigers, optioning him to Triple-A Sacramento. Fitzgerald had served as a utility infielder for the Giants over the past three seasons, with his best year coming in 2024 when he hit .280 with 15 home runs, 34 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.

  • Fitzgerald was designated for assignment on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • Fitzgerald made his MLB debut with the Giants in 2023.

The players

Tyler Fitzgerald

A 28-year-old utility infielder who has been with the Giants organization for the past three seasons, making his MLB debut in 2023.

San Francisco Giants

The Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California.

Dylan Smith

A right-handed pitcher acquired by the Giants from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations.

Luis Matos

An outfielder traded by the Giants to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations.

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What’s next

It will be interesting to see if Fitzgerald can find his way back to the majors with the Giants or if another team will claim him off waivers.

The takeaway

The Giants' decision to designate Fitzgerald for assignment highlights the team's efforts to shake up their roster and find the right mix of players to turn their slow start to the season around. This move also demonstrates the competitive nature of MLB rosters, where even a utility player like Fitzgerald can be removed from the 40-man roster if he doesn't meet the team's needs.