The Oakland A’s made a quiet but interesting move on Friday, claiming utilityman Andy Ibáñez off waivers from the Dodgers. It brings an abrupt end to Ibáñez’s brief, 23-day stint in Los Angeles, where he never got the chance to suit up in Dodger blue.
The Dodgers had signed Ibáñez back on January 13, inking him to a one-year, $1.2 million deal and adding him to their 40-man roster. But roster shuffling is the name of the game this time of year, and when L.A. claimed outfielder Mike Siani off waivers on February 3, Ibáñez became the odd man out. Just like that, he was designated for assignment.
It’s a bit of a full-circle moment with Siani, too. The Dodgers had previously DFA’d him when they signed Kyle Tucker, only to see the Yankees scoop him up. But when New York moved on, L.A. brought Siani back-at the expense of Ibáñez.
For Ibáñez, this is the latest chapter in what’s been a winding MLB journey. He hit free agency this offseason after being non-tendered by the Tigers, ending a three-year run in Detroit. During that stretch, he slashed .251/.304/.392 over 304 games with 20 homers, 94 RBIs, and a 93 wRC+-numbers that suggest a serviceable bat, if not one that jumps off the page.
Before Detroit, Ibáñez spent parts of two seasons with the Rangers in 2021 and 2022. Across his career, he’s appeared in 420 big-league games, posting a .254/.305/.389 line with 28 home runs, 128 RBIs, and a 92 wRC+. His best offensive years came in 2021 and 2023, but overall, he’s hovered just below league average at the plate.
What Ibáñez does bring to the table is versatility. He’s logged innings at first, second, and third base, along with some time in left field.
He’s even dabbled at shortstop and right field, though those looks have been limited. For a team like Oakland, which values flexibility and low-cost depth, that kind of profile fits right in.
Because Ibáñez doesn’t have any Minor League options remaining, the A’s are in a bit of a bind. He’ll either need to make their Opening Day roster or be designated for assignment again. That $1.2 million salary is now Oakland’s responsibility, so there’s some incentive to give him a real shot in camp.
Interestingly, Ibáñez had opted out of playing for Team Cuba in the World Baseball Classic, choosing instead to focus on what he thought would be his first season with the Dodgers. Now, that preparation shifts to the green and gold of the A’s.
It’s a low-risk move for Oakland, but one that could pay off if Ibáñez finds his footing. He’s shown flashes of being a capable contributor, and if the A’s can tap into that potential-especially with consistent playing time-he could carve out a meaningful role on a roster that’s still very much in flux.