UPDATE (Jan. 25, 10:15 a.m.): The Los Angeles Dodgers made their trade for outfield Brett Eibner official, sending Jordan Tarsovich to the Oakland Athletics.
A staple under Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has been a focus on establishing and improving depth throughout the organization. The approach paid dividends last season, as the Dodgers placed a record number of players on the disabled list.
It created an opportunity for Andrew Toles, who otherwise was a rather unheralded Minor League signing. After trading for Logan Forsythe, which ended their long search for a second baseman, the Dodgers were expected to next focus on rounding out their bullpen.
However, the club reportedly is on the verge of acquiring outfielder Brett Eibner from the Oakland Athletics, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
Source: #Dodgers acquiring outfielder Brett Eibner from #Athletics for minor leaguer.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 25, 2017
The Athletics designated Eibner for assignment on Jan. 20 in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for relief pitcher Santiago Casilla, who was signed to a two-year deal. Oakland acquired Eibner from the Kansas City Royals last July in a trade for Billy Burns.
Including time with the Royals, Eibner appeared in 70 Major League games last season, making his MLB debut on May 27. The versatile outfielder hit .193/.266/.353 with 10 doubles, one triple, six home runs and 22 RBI in 208 plate appearances.
In parts of three seasons at the Triple-A level, Eibner is a .280/.356/.474 batter, with 45 doubles, 38 home runs and 142 RBI in 231 games. He was ranked among the Royals’ top 30 prospects by Baseball America each year from 2010-15.
The 28-year-old Eibner has multiple Minor League options remaining, and presumably will spend the bulk of this season with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
