Pagliarulo joined the parent club on July 1, 1984, and spent just over five years with the Yankees before going to the San Diego Padres in 1989. After a year and a half in San Diego, Pagliarulo moved back to the American League when he joined the Minnesota Twins just before the start of the 1991 season. It was with Minnesota that Pagliarulo won his only World Series championship as the starting third baseman in 1991. Pagliarulo remained with Minnesota for the following 1992 season and part of the 1993 season. He was acquired by the Orioles on August 15, 1993 in a transaction that was completed the following day when Erik Schullstrom was sent to the Twins. At the time, the Orioles needed depth at third base with Leo Gómez on the disabled list but had been unsuccessful in its pursuit of the Cincinnati Reds' Chris Sabo.