Giants DFA Utilityman After Adding New Reliever

Tyler Fitzgerald, a former 15-HR hitter, was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:49pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Giants' team colors of orange and black, conceptually representing the team's roster changes.The Giants' roster moves reflect the team's efforts to reshape its lineup and bullpen ahead of the new season.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco Giants have designated utilityman Tyler Fitzgerald for assignment after acquiring relief pitcher Dylan Smith from the Detroit Tigers. Fitzgerald, 28, had a promising 2024 season with 15 home runs but struggled in 2025, hitting just .217 with 4 home runs in 72 games. The Giants needed to clear a roster spot for Smith, leading to Fitzgerald's DFA.

Why it matters

Fitzgerald was once seen as a valuable piece of the Giants' roster, but his struggles last season have led to the team parting ways with him. This move highlights the tough decisions MLB teams have to make when balancing their 40-man rosters, especially when acquiring new players.

The details

The Giants acquired relief pitcher Dylan Smith from the Detroit Tigers on Monday. To make room for Smith on the 40-man roster, the team designated Fitzgerald for assignment. Fitzgerald had been playing at Triple-A Sacramento this season, going 0-for-12 at the plate in 3 games before the move.

  • Fitzgerald was designated for assignment on March 30, 2026.
  • In the 2025 season, Fitzgerald hit .217 with 4 home runs in 72 games for the Giants.

The players

Tyler Fitzgerald

A 28-year-old utilityman who had a promising 2024 season with 15 home runs for the Giants, but struggled in 2025 with a .217 batting average.

Dylan Smith

A relief pitcher acquired by the Giants from the Detroit Tigers in a trade on March 30, 2026.

San Francisco Giants

The MLB team that designated Tyler Fitzgerald for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster for the acquisition of Dylan Smith.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fitzgerald could generate some interest, as he is just 28 years old and can play in both the infield and the outfield.”

— Michael Derosa, Author

What’s next

Fitzgerald will now be placed on waivers, and if he clears, the Giants could outright him to the minor leagues or release him outright. Other teams will have the opportunity to claim him off waivers over the next few days.

The takeaway

This move by the Giants highlights the difficult roster decisions MLB teams face, having to part ways with once-promising players like Fitzgerald in order to make room for new acquisitions. Fitzgerald's struggles in 2025 ultimately led to his designation, but he may still get another chance with a new organization.