The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to look for an impact bat while Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger and Bo Bichette remain on the free agent market, and numerous other players are on the trade block.
While the Dodgers continue to work on finding the right deal, they also have other areas of the team to fill out. That includes adding depth to both their position player group and bullpen.
The Dodgers have multiple options for their bench, which includes Miguel Rojas, Dalton Rushing, Alex Call and Hyeseong Kim, but they may not be fully satisfied with their group, either.
To address this, the Dodgers have agreed to a one-year contract with utilityman Andy Ibáñez, according to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN:
IF Andy Ibanez has agreed to terms on a one-year big league deal with the Dodgers pending physical, per source.
Ibanez, 32, was non-tendered by the Tigers in November.
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) January 9, 2026
Ibáñez was non-tendered by the Detroit Tigers in November and became a free agent after that. He has spent the last three seasons in Detroit, hitting a combined .251/.304/.392 with 20 home runs, 96 runs, 94 RBI and a 93 wRC+ in 304 games.
The right-handed hitter also spent two seasons with the Texas Rangers from 2021-22. Over his career, he’s hit .254/.305/.389 with 28 home runs, 140 runs, 128 RBI, 10 stolen bases, a 92 wRC+ and 3.6 WAR across 420 games.
He had two solid offensive seasons, one in 2021 and one in 2023, but since then, he’s been far below league average. Perhaps the Dodgers believe they can help him figure out his bat and get a quality bench piece.
Over his Major League career, Ibáñez has played every position except catcher and center field, but he’s primarily played second and third base.
Ibáñez has no options remaining, so he will need to make the 26-man roster or be placed on waivers, which would also give him the chance to enter free agency if no team claims him. The Dodgers also need to make room on their 40-man roster to make the signing official.
Dodgers claimed Ryan Fitzgerald
The Dodgers also added to their infield depth by claiming Ryan Fitzgerald off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
Fitzgerald was designated for assignment by the Twins at the beginning of the year in order to make room on their 40-man roster for Eric Wagaman. He was acquired by Minnesota in a trade that sent Minor League pitcher Kade Bragg to the Miami Marlins.
Fitzgerald, 31, made his MLB debut with the Twins last season. He appeared in 24 games and hit .196/.302/.457 with four home runs and nine RBI. While with Triple-A St. Paul last year, Fitzgerald batted .277/.367/.469 with 16 doubles, seven home runs and 31 RBI.
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!
