The Oakland A’s haven’t made much noise this offseason when it comes to bringing in outside talent-but they’ve been quietly taking care of business internally, locking up promising young players like Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson to long-term deals. And now, they’ve made a small but savvy move that not only adds value to their roster but also throws a wrench into the plans of a National League powerhouse.
The A’s recently claimed veteran infielder Andy Ibáñez off waivers, a move that flew under the radar but could pay dividends down the line. Ibáñez had signed a $1.2 million deal with the Dodgers earlier this offseason, but because he was out of minor league options, Los Angeles had to designate him for assignment in an attempt to sneak him through waivers and stash him in Triple-A. Oakland wasn’t having it.
Instead of clearing waivers, Ibáñez was scooped up by the A’s, who now take on his one-year, $1.2 million contract for the 2026 season. It’s a minor financial commitment for a player who brings major versatility.
At 32 years old, Ibáñez isn’t a game-changer at the plate, but he’s a reliable depth piece who can give the A’s flexibility all over the field. He played in 91 games for the Tigers last season, hitting .239 with a .653 OPS.
That’s not going to turn many heads, but his career numbers-.254 average and .694 OPS-suggest he’s a serviceable bat who can hold his own in a big-league lineup. His 92 OPS+ tells the story: slightly below league average, but not by much.
Where Ibáñez really adds value is in his glove and positional versatility. He’s capable of playing all over the infield-shortstop, third base, second, first-and he’s even logged innings in the outfield. That kind of flexibility is exactly what a team like the A’s, who are still figuring out their roster puzzle heading into the season, can use.
For the Dodgers, this was a calculated risk that didn’t pan out. They likely hoped Ibáñez would clear waivers so they could keep him in the organization as insurance. But Oakland, perhaps seeing an opportunity to bolster their depth while also swiping a piece from a rival club, made the claim and added a useful utility man to their bench.
It’s not the kind of move that dominates headlines, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar roster addition that can quietly pay off over the course of a long season. For the A’s, it’s a win-win: they get a versatile veteran for a reasonable price, and they disrupt the plans of one of the league’s most resourceful front offices in the process.