The Dodgers made another roster move on Tuesday, claiming outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Yankees and designating infielder Andy Ibáñez for assignment to make room. It’s the latest twist in what’s been a chaotic offseason for Siani - a player who's been passed around like a hot bat at a home run derby.
Siani’s journey this winter has been nothing short of a baseball odyssey. Originally drafted by the Reds in the fourth round back in 2018, he’s already been on the Cardinals, Braves, Dodgers (once), Yankees, and now back to the Dodgers - all in the span of a few months.
That’s four different organizations and five jersey changes since the end of the 2025 season. It’s the kind of whirlwind that speaks less to a player’s shortcomings and more to the value teams still see in his skill set - especially with spring training just around the corner.
The Dodgers may be the team that finally gives Siani a chance to stick, at least for now. With pitchers and catchers reporting next week, roster flexibility becomes a premium.
Injured list placements - particularly the 60-day IL - will start freeing up spots across the league. In L.A.’s case, that could include right-hander Brock Stewart, who’s still working his way back from shoulder surgery.
If Stewart ends up on the 60-day IL, it could buy Siani a little breathing room on the 40-man roster. But if the Dodgers need that spot for someone else, Siani could be DFA’d again - and the waiver carousel might start spinning once more.
So, why do teams keep claiming him? Because Siani, 26, brings value that doesn’t always show up in the box score.
His offensive numbers - a .221/.277/.270 slash line over parts of four seasons - are underwhelming, no question. But his defense and baserunning?
That’s where he shines. He’s logged over 1,000 innings in the outfield, primarily in center, and the advanced metrics back up what the eye test shows: this guy can cover ground.
Statcast’s Outs Above Average gives him a +16 mark, and Defensive Runs Saved adds another +7. Add in a solid 21-for-26 record on stolen base attempts, and you’ve got a player who can impact a game even if he’s not swinging a hot bat.
Plus, Siani still has a minor league option remaining, which is a big reason he keeps getting looks. That flexibility means a team can stash him in Triple-A without risking another club snatching him away. For a fourth or fifth outfielder who can play elite defense and run the bases, that’s a valuable insurance policy.
As for Ibáñez, his time on the Dodgers’ roster may have been short, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected. He signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal with L.A. just a few weeks ago, but being out of minor league options always made him a candidate for a move like this. The Dodgers are likely hoping that the guaranteed money attached to his deal will dissuade other teams from claiming him, allowing them to outright him to Triple-A Oklahoma City and keep him in the system as depth.
Ibáñez, 32, has carved out a reputation as a versatile utility man. He’s appeared in parts of five big league seasons with Texas and Detroit, and while his overall offensive numbers - .254/.304/.389 - are modest, he’s been a real asset against lefties.
His career line against southpaws sits at .280/.372/.452, which makes him a solid platoon option. Defensively, he’s capable of handling multiple positions: first, second, third, and even left field.
That kind of versatility is exactly what teams look for in a bench piece, especially come playoff time.
That said, Ibáñez is coming off a down year. Even with the platoon advantage, he hit just .258/.311/.403 in 2025 - serviceable, but not the kind of production that locks down a roster spot.
If he clears waivers, he’ll have the right to reject a minor league assignment and test free agency, but doing so would mean walking away from that $1.2 million. Odds are, he’ll accept the assignment and stay in the fold as a depth option.
Because he signed a major league deal as a free agent, Ibáñez can’t be traded without his consent until June 15. In the meantime, he’s likely to hit waivers within the next few days. If he goes unclaimed, he’ll find himself in Oklahoma City - not the most glamorous outcome, but one that keeps him in the mix for a call-up later in the season.
In the end, this is classic roster maneuvering in the final days before spring training. The Dodgers are doing what smart teams do: maximizing flexibility, stockpiling depth, and keeping their options open.
For Michael Siani, it’s another chance to prove he belongs. For Andy Ibáñez, it’s a reminder that even guaranteed contracts don’t guarantee much in a league where every roster spot is earned - and constantly up for grabs.