Dodgers Reclaim Mike Siani, Designate Andy Ibáñez in Roster Shuffle
LOS ANGELES - The Dodgers are bringing back a familiar face. Outfielder Mike Siani is returning to Los Angeles after being claimed off waivers from the Yankees, marking the second time this offseason he’s joined the Dodgers via waiver wire. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team designated utility infielder Andy Ibáñez for assignment.
If this move feels like déjà vu, you're not wrong. Siani, 26, was first claimed by the Dodgers earlier in the winter after the Braves designated him for assignment following the 2025 World Series.
He stayed on L.A.’s 40-man roster until mid-January, when he was DFA’d to clear space for the signing of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker. The Yankees scooped him up shortly after-only to DFA him themselves once they finalized a deal to bring back Cody Bellinger.
Now, Siani’s back in Dodger blue.
So why all the movement for a player with a career .221/.277/.270 slash line and a 58 wRC+ across 160 big league games? One word: defense.
Siani may not bring much with the bat, but his glove is a different story. In 2024, he posted a combined 16 Outs Above Average (OAA) in center field-an elite number that speaks to his range, instincts, and ability to cover serious ground.
He also clocked in the 76th percentile for sprint speed, adding value as a defensive specialist and potential late-inning pinch runner. That kind of athleticism is hard to ignore, especially for a team like the Dodgers that values depth and versatility.
Still, Siani’s struggles at the plate have kept him from locking down a regular MLB role. He spent most of 2025 in the minors, and unless his bat takes a step forward, he’s likely to serve as a depth piece again this season. But for a team with championship aspirations, having a defensive weapon like Siani tucked away on the roster could prove valuable in the right moments.
Ibáñez the Odd Man Out
To make room for Siani, the Dodgers had to part ways with Andy Ibáñez-a decision that comes just weeks after signing the 32-year-old to a guaranteed one-year, $1.2 million deal. It looked like Ibáñez might play a key bench role to start the season, offering some right-handed pop and infield versatility. But ultimately, his lack of minor-league options worked against him.
Ibáñez became a free agent this offseason after being non-tendered by the Tigers, with whom he spent the last three seasons. In that time, he posted a respectable .251/.304/.392 line with 20 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a 93 wRC+ over 304 games. Solid numbers for a utility man, but not enough to lock down a roster spot in L.A.’s crowded infield picture-especially when flexibility is at a premium.
With no options remaining, Ibáñez would’ve needed to stick on the 26-man roster out of spring training. The Dodgers, clearly valuing Siani’s defensive upside and roster maneuverability more, chose to make the swap.
Looking Ahead
For Siani, this is another shot to stick with a contending club, even if it’s in a limited role. His glove already plays at the big-league level, and if the bat can come around even slightly, he could carve out a niche in the Dodgers’ outfield rotation.
As for Ibáñez, he’ll now go through the waiver process. Given his track record and experience, he could draw interest from teams looking for infield depth-especially those with more roster flexibility.
It’s a reminder that even in early February, roster spots are anything but guaranteed. The Dodgers continue to fine-tune, and while the moves may seem minor now, these are the kinds of decisions that can matter in the long run-especially when October rolls around.