Twins sign former WooSox fan favorite to minor league deal
Former WooSox fan favorite Ryan Fitzgerald is heading to the Twins organization. The 30-year-old agreed to a minor league deal, per the league transactions page.
The utility player spent last season in the Royals organization after he was plucked out of the Sox’ system during the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft.
Fitzgerald spent five seasons in the Red Sox’ system, where he became the WooSox’ all-time leader in games played (235), at-bats (821), runs scored (115), hits (194), doubles (52), triples (11), RBIs (137), and walks (94).
“The WooSox and the city of Worcester have been nothing short of incredible,” Fitzgerald said to the T&G Wednesday back in December 2023 after he was drafted by the Royals in the Rule 5 draft. “I don’t think I could have imagined a better place to play. As I’ve said before, the WooSox treat their players better than any other minor league team out there. Everyone from the grounds crew to the front office is the best in the business. The city itself is a hidden gem. When I first heard of Worcester, I didn’t know where it was and couldn’t pronounce it.
“After living there for over two years, it is the best place I have ever played. Worcester will always have a special place in my heart.”
The popular “Fitzy” played in 108 games for the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Royals Triple-A affiliate. He batted .244 with 14 homers and 54 RBI, 17 doubles, three triples, three stolen bases, and a .754 OPS.
Fitzgerald helped the Storm Chasers advance to the Triple-A championship, unfortunately, they lost to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
This winter, the left-handed hitter played in 15 games for Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Winter League. He slashed .259/.318/.328 while hitting a double and a home run with eight RBI and one stolen base.
Fitzgerald was assigned to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints. He will serve as depth at the upper levels for the Twins with the possibility of earning a shot at the big leagues if someone on Minnesota’s 26-man roster is placed on the 10-day injured list.
