Former Giants utilityman could be perfect waiver wire target for White Sox

As MLB’s 2026 season becomes one-week old, many teams are still putting the finishing touches on their roster. Waiver claims and minor deals across baseball throw new talent into the pool of available players. The White Sox took advantage of one such opportunity last week, claiming lefty Bryan Hudson on waivers from the Mets. A couple of additions by the San Francisco Giants have left another player available that I believe the White Sox should consider 

The Giants have designated infielder Tyler Fitzgerald for assignment this week.

Fitzgerald, 28, is a native of Springfield, Illinois and was drafted in the fourth round by the Giants in 2019. He hit the ground running in minor league baseball, posting an OPS over .700 and flashing decent power in each of his first three full minor league seasons. After an excellent 17-game stretch to start 2024, Fitzgerald earned the call to the big leagues and got off to a great start in San Francisco. In 96 games with the Giants, Fitzgerald slashed .280/.334/.497 with 15 home runs and an .831 OPS. In addition to his strong offensive production, Fitzgerald brought versatility on defense. While he primarily played shortstop, he also appeared in games at second base, first base, left field, and center field. 

Fitzgerald's rough 2025 led to his Giants departure

The Giants hoped 2024 was a breakout year for Fitzgerald, but 2025 wasn’t as kind to him. He dealt with a fractured rib early in the season and struggled to consistently produce upon his return. Fitzgerald spent the season bouncing between Triple-A and the majors, finishing with a .605 OPS and just four homers. The Giants additions of Luis Arraez, Harrison Bader, and Rafael Devers in recent months have left Fitzgerald without a real opportunity for at bats, and he was designated for assignment to begin the season. He’ll now go to waivers, where all 29 other teams have a chance to trade for him or put in a claim. 

The White Sox bench is a bit outfield heavy at the moment, though Luisangel Acuna has made a couple appearances on the infield. Lenyn Sosa is the primary backup on the infield, and his defensive limitations make it tough to rely on him to handle regular reps. Fitzgerald’s ability to play both infield and outfield could make him a more valuable commodity on the bench than someone like Derek Hill, who provides defense on the bench but not much upside on offense. Fitzgerald’s 135 OPS+ just two seasons ago definitely show the kind of upside he has. He may be 28, but he has several years of team control and could be a solid utilityman if he stays healthy. 

I’m all for the White Sox getting younger and adding as much interesting talent as they can. Fitzgerald provides offensive upside and defensive versatility that could give Will Venable even more options for putting together his lineup every night. Players with this kind of upside don’t become available super often, so I think the White Sox need to be all over it. They might regret it if not.