Two years ago, Tyler Fitzgerald was, at one point, one of baseball’s most interesting hitters thanks to a scorching-hot run in the summer of 2024. Now, he’ll look to find some footing in the Blue Jays organization. Toronto acquired him via trade on April 4.
Blue Jays acquire Fitzgerald, promote Valenzuela
The Blue Jays traded for ex-Giants infielder Tyler Fitzgerald on April 4. Fitzgerald was DFA’d by the Giants last week.
Fitzgerald established himself briefly as a regular in 2024 as a mammoth run in July of that year. He hit 15 total home runs that season. However, he struggled to produce both in the Majors and Minors last season. Even in Triple-A last season, he struck out 62 times over 54 contests. He whiffed over 30% of the time in Sacramento and regularly expanded out of the strike zone.
He was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo after the move.
Additionnally, the Blue Jays recalled catcher Brandon Valenzuela. Valenzuela hit well in the Padres’ organization last year before he was dealt to Toronto for Will Wagner.
Martin to be promoted
Before the Cubs were rained out in Cleveland, news out of Ohio was that the team from Chicago planned on calling up left-handed reliever Riley Martin.
The 28-year-old is primarily a three-pitch pitcher, with a mid-to-high-90s fastball, a slider, and a low-80s curveball. He used a changeup once in 2026, per MLB’s official data collection. Martin posted a Whiff% over 30% last season in Triple-A and struck out a lot of batters in the Minors.
He did work as a starter in Triple-A Iowa to begin the year. Martin struck out three over three innings in his lone outing this season.
Rockies claim Peralta
Colorado claimed pitcher Sammy Peralta from the Brewers. He was optioned to Triple-A after the move became official.
Peralta, a four-pitch pitcher, was claimed by Milwaukee this past October.
Other news
The White Sox returned Jedixson Paez to the Red Sox. Paez, as noted earlier in the week, was a Rule 5 pick last winter by Chicago.
Keider Montero (Tigers), Eli Morgan (Royals), and Logan Henderson (Brewers) were recalled from the Minors.
Blaine Crim and Zac Veen (Rockies) were optioned to Triple-A.
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