The Athletics claimed Andy Ibáñez off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, ending his stint in the organization at just 23 days.
The Dodgers first signed Ibáñez on January 13 to a one-year contract worth $1.2 million and added him to their 40-man roster. However, he was designated for assignment on Feb. 3 when the Dodgers claimed Mike Siani off waivers.
The Dodgers previously had Siani in their organization, but designated him for assignment when Kyle Tucker was signed, and he was claimed by the New York Yankees. They later moved on, while the Dodgers brought him back.
Ibáñez became a free agent this offseason after getting non-tendered by the Detroit Tigers. He had spent the last three seasons with the Tigers, hitting a combined .251/.304/.392 with 20 home runs, 94 RBI and a 93 wRC+ in 304 games.
Ibáñez’s MLB career also includes spending parts of two seasons with the Texas Rangers in 2021 and 2022.
While appearing in 420 games thus far, Ibáñez hit .254/.305/.389 with 28 home runs, 140 runs, 128 RBI and a 92 wRC+. The bulk of his success came in 2021 and 2023, but otherwise Ibáñez’s offensive contributions have largely been below league average.
Ibáñez is capable of playing first base, second base, third base and left field. He also has minimal experience at shortstop and right field.
The Dodgers were likely hoping to get him through waivers to keep him in the organization, but Ibáñez could have also passed on his guaranteed salary to become a free agent had he cleared.
Instead, the Athletics are now on the hook to pay Ibáñez the full $1.2 million this season.
Ibáñez doesn’t have any Minor League options remaining, so he will need to make their MLB roster or be designated for assignment once again.
Andy Ibáñez passed on World Baseball Classic
Ibáñez previously decided against playing for Team Cuba so he could focus on his first season with the Dodgers. That preparation will instead come with the A’s now.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
