Who is Tyler Fitzgerald?

If you don’t closely follow Giants baseball you probably have no clue who the 26-year-old utility man is. Tyler Fitzgerald, a 30th round pick in 2016 by the Boston Red Sox has now done something a Giant has never done since Barry Bonds. 

When Fitzgerald was drafted by Boston in 2016 out of Rochester High School, he decided to go to college instead of going right into Boston’s farm system. He attended the University of Louisville where in 3 seasons had a .262 batting average and a .800 OPS. Fitzgerald led the team to the College World Series in 2019, where they ended up losing to Vanderbilt in the semi-finals. 

Fast forward to the 2019 MLB draft when the Giants took a chance in the 4th round on a utility position player known for his elite speed. Fitzgerald spent four seasons in the Giants Minor League system before being a September call up late in the 2023 season. In the Minors, Fitzgerald posted a .265 average and a .800 OPS. 

Fitzgerald made his debut against the Dodgers on September 21st, 2023. He made an instant impact, going 1 for 2 with an RBI. Starting in 2024, Fitzgerald made the opening day roster under new manager Bob Melvin. Up until May 12th of 2024 Fitzgerald was used mostly as a pinch runner in late game situations. But on May 12th, Giants starting center fielder Jung-Hoo-Lee suffered a season ending shoulder Injury. This gave Fitzgerald more opportunities to start in center field. 

Even while the Giants led the league in players on the IL, Melvin would refuse to play Fitzgerald, eventually sending him down to Triple A Sacramento. In 17 games in Triple A Fitzgerald hit eight home runs, had 21 RBI’s and a .310 average. He made Bob Melvin look foolish sending him down. Fitzgerald was called back up on May 28th, where he went 1 for 2 with a walk. Despite leading the Giants in average over the next five days, Melvin refused to make him an everyday player. 

July 9th 2024, was the start of it all for Fitzgerald. Giants Veteran Shortstop Nick Ahmed was DFA’d, leaving the starting job open for Fitzgerald.

Since Ahmed's departure, Fitzgerald has been the best hitter in the National League. Over the last five games, Tyler Fitzergald has hit a home run in every single one of them, the first Giant to do that since Barry Bonds, who you may have heard of. It also does not hurt that Fitzgerald is top 2% in sprint speed in all of baseball, something the Giants have been searching for since 2020. 

Fitzgerald has been the everyday shortstop for San Francisco in the second half; the fans hope it stays that way. Get used to hearing Duane Kuiper say “OUTTA HERE” every time Fitzgerald steps up to the plate.