The Dodgers continue to fine-tune their roster ahead of spring training, and Tuesday brought another shuffle in the margins. Los Angeles claimed outfielder Mike Siani off waivers, while designating infielder Andy Ibañez for assignment - a move that could have ripple effects beyond just the names involved.
Let’s start with Siani. If you’re not familiar with his game, think glove-first, speed-second.
The 24-year-old outfielder has bounced around this offseason, landing in New York with the Yankees just last month after the Dodgers had initially designated him for assignment to clear space for All-Star Kyle Tucker. Now, he’s back in Dodger blue, and this time, he may stick around a bit longer.
Siani’s calling card is his defense. He posted an impressive 16 Outs Above Average (OAA) in 2024, a number that puts him firmly in elite territory when it comes to patrolling center field. That kind of defensive value doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it’s something the Dodgers clearly value - especially in a year where roster flexibility and late-game substitutions could play a big role.
Offensively, Siani’s bat hasn’t caught up to his glove just yet. In 19 big league games with the Cardinals in 2025, he hit .235 with a .551 OPS.
But the Dodgers aren’t bringing him in to hit in the middle of the lineup. They’re betting on his ability to cover ground in the outfield, provide a late-inning defensive boost, and maybe swipe a bag or two when the opportunity arises.
The move also signals something about the Dodgers’ current outfield depth chart. With veterans like Alex Call - who hits lefties well and can play all three outfield spots - and prospect Ryan Ward waiting in the wings, Siani adds another layer of depth.
Ward will be in the mix this spring, trying to earn a roster spot, but with competition heating up, nothing’s guaranteed. Siani gives the Dodgers a known defensive quantity, and that might be enough to earn him a role, especially if he shows any signs of offensive improvement.
Now, let’s talk about the other half of this transaction - Andy Ibañez. The Dodgers signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million deal earlier this offseason, a move that looked like a safety net for Tommy Edman’s uncertain status.
Edman, who had offseason ankle surgery, still doesn’t have a firm timetable for return. But his update at DodgerFest over the weekend was cautiously optimistic.
He’s back to throwing and recently took his first dry swings. After ditching the walking boot about two and a half weeks ago, Edman’s begun ramping up activity - walking, light skipping, and potentially jogging soon. He emphasized patience and hitting each recovery checkpoint without discomfort, and so far, everything’s trending positively.
So what does Ibañez’s DFA mean in that context? It could be a sign that the Dodgers are feeling better about Edman’s progress than they were a few weeks ago.
If the team believed Edman was still a long way off, Ibañez - a versatile infielder with some big-league experience - might’ve stuck around longer. Instead, the move to cut ties suggests some quiet confidence that Edman will be ready sooner rather than later.
All told, this is a classic Dodgers move: low-risk, high-upside depth management. They’re not banking on Mike Siani to become a star, but in a long season, having a glove like his stashed on the roster can win you a game or two. And if Edman’s recovery continues on its current path, the infield picture becomes clearer - and maybe even a little brighter - heading into camp.