The Dodgers made a roster move this afternoon, designating outfielder Michael Siani for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster for Kyle Tucker, whose headline-grabbing four-year deal is now officially on the books.
For Siani, it’s another stop on what’s been a whirlwind offseason. The 26-year-old has been on the move since the end of last season, bouncing from the Reds to the Cardinals, then to the Braves, and most recently to the Dodgers. Now, he’s back in limbo - either headed to a new team via trade or back on waivers within the next five days.
Originally a fourth-round pick by Cincinnati in 2018 - one the Reds went over-slot to sign - Siani has always been known more for his glove and legs than his bat. He made his big league debut with the Reds in 2022 but got only a brief look, tallying just 25 plate appearances.
It wasn’t until 2024, with the Cardinals, that he saw extended action. In what was easily his most active season, he racked up 334 plate appearances, carving out a role as a defense-first fourth outfielder.
At the plate, the numbers have been tough. Siani carries a career slash line of .221/.277/.270 - good for a 58 wRC+, which tells us he’s been well below league average offensively.
But that’s only part of the story. What keeps him in the conversation is his glove and his wheels.
Defensively, Siani’s been a plus across the board. He’s logged over 1,000 innings in the outfield, the bulk of them in center, and the metrics love him.
Statcast credits him with 16 Outs Above Average, while Defensive Runs Saved has him at +7. That’s legit value in the field, especially in center, where range and instincts are at a premium.
On the bases, he’s no slouch either. Siani has swiped 21 bags in 26 attempts - a solid 81% success rate - and brings the kind of speed that can change a game late, whether as a pinch-runner or a defensive replacement.
He also still has a minor league option left, which makes him even more appealing for teams looking to add depth without locking into a full-time roster spot. A club in need of a glove-first, speed-driven outfielder who can shuttle between Triple-A and the majors might find Siani to be a worthwhile pickup.
So while he’s off the Dodgers’ 40-man for now, don’t be surprised if another team takes a shot. Defense and speed still matter - and Siani brings both in spades.