The Oakland Athletics haven’t made a ton of noise this offseason when it comes to bringing in outside talent-but they’ve been busy locking up key pieces of their future. Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson both landed long-term extensions, signaling a commitment to building from within. But that doesn’t mean the A’s are sitting quietly on the transaction wire.
In a move that caught the Los Angeles Dodgers off guard, Oakland swooped in and claimed infielder Andy Ibáñez off waivers-derailing what appeared to be a calculated roster maneuver by L.A.
Ibáñez, who had signed a $1.2 million deal with the Dodgers earlier in the offseason, was designated for assignment after the team tried to sneak him through waivers. The catch?
He’s out of minor league options. That meant he couldn’t be sent to Triple-A without first clearing waivers-and that’s exactly where the A’s stepped in.
Now, Oakland takes on the $1.2 million commitment for the 2026 season and adds a versatile veteran to its roster without giving up anything in return. For a team that’s been selective with its spending, this is a low-risk, high-utility pickup.
Ibáñez brings value as a Swiss Army knife-type defender. He’s capable of playing all over the infield-shortstop, second, third, even first base-and can handle time in the outfield if needed. That kind of flexibility is gold for a team like the A’s, who often rely on roster versatility to maximize matchups and cover injuries over the course of a long season.
Offensively, Ibáñez isn’t going to carry a lineup, but he’s no automatic out either. Last season with the Tigers, he hit .239 with a .653 OPS over 91 games.
His career numbers-.254 average and .694 OPS-paint the picture of a steady, if unspectacular, contributor. His 92 OPS+ tells the story well: slightly below league average, but still serviceable.
For the Dodgers, this is a rare misstep in roster management. They had hoped to quietly stash Ibáñez in the minors as insurance depth, but the waiver process didn’t cooperate. Oakland saw an opportunity and pounced, adding a useful piece while also disrupting the plans of a National League heavyweight.
It’s a subtle move, but one that could pay dividends for the A’s. In a season where depth and flexibility often separate the contenders from the rest, Ibáñez gives Oakland a reliable option who can fill multiple roles. And if nothing else, they managed to outmaneuver one of the league’s most resourceful front offices-always a small but satisfying win.