The Oakland A’s made a quiet but notable move on Friday, claiming infielder Andy Ibañez off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s a depth addition for a team still sorting out its infield picture, and it comes after the Dodgers made a roster shuffle of their own.
Ibañez had only just signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal with Los Angeles in January, but his stay was short-lived. The Dodgers designated him for assignment to make room for outfielder Michael Siani, who they reclaimed off waivers from the Yankees. That opened the door for Oakland to scoop up Ibañez, who now heads to a team that could offer him a clearer path to playing time.
Why the Dodgers Let Ibañez Go
When Ibañez signed with L.A., it looked like a smart insurance policy-especially with second baseman Tommy Edman working his way back from ankle surgery. Edman, who battled injuries throughout 2025, is progressing steadily in his rehab.
At DodgerFest on Saturday, Edman gave an encouraging update, noting he’s back to throwing and taking dry swings, and is slowly ramping up his lower-body work. He’s out of the boot, walking without issue, and even started light skipping-a key step in his return-to-play protocol.
Edman didn’t commit to an exact return date, but the tone was optimistic. That likely played a role in the Dodgers’ decision to part ways with Ibañez, who was always more of a stopgap than a long-term piece. If Edman is trending toward Opening Day readiness, the need for Ibañez simply wasn’t there.
The Numbers Game at Second Base
Even with Edman’s status uncertain, the Dodgers were already crowded at second base. Veterans like Miguel Rojas and newcomer Hyeseong Kim provide solid options both offensively and defensively. Ibañez, while versatile and reliable, was facing an uphill battle for innings.
Last season with the Tigers, Ibañez appeared in 91 games, posting a .239/.301/.352 slash line with four home runs and 21 RBIs. His .653 OPS wasn’t eye-popping, but he brought steady defense and a professional approach at the plate. He’s the kind of player who can hold his own in a utility role, but in a stacked Dodgers infield, that wasn’t going to be enough.
A Better Fit in Oakland?
For the A’s, this is a low-risk pickup with potential upside. Ibañez brings experience and defensive reliability to a roster that’s still very much in flux. He may not be a game-changer, but he’s the type of player who can fill in capably across the infield and give a rebuilding club some much-needed depth.
As for the Dodgers, the move clears a bit of the logjam at second and signals growing confidence in Edman’s recovery. With a deep roster and championship aspirations, L.A. can afford to make these kinds of calculated moves. For Ibañez, the shift to Oakland could mean more opportunity-and that’s something every player in his position is looking for.