The Los Angeles Dodgers have made the signing of infielder Andy Ibañez official.
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In order to make room on the 40-man roster for Ibañez, the Dodgers designated infielder/outfielder Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment.
Fitzgerald was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins just last week. The 31-year-old is considered a utility player as he can play all around the diamond, with the exception of first base. It remains to be seen whether the Dodgers will be able to sneak Fitzgerald through waivers to remain with the organization.
Ibañez officially agreed to terms with the Dodgers on a one-year, $1.5 million deal after passing his physical. The 32-year-old was non-tendered by the Detroit Tigers in November, and will now join the defending champions as a key depth piece.
The Dodgers are not expected to have Tommy Edman to start the 2026 season as he is recovering from offseason ankle surgery. If the Dodgers bring back Kiké Hernandez (as expected), the utility player will not be available to open the season as he underwent offseason surgery on his elbow.
Ibañez averaged .239 with four home runs, 21 runs batted in, and an OPS of .653 last season with the Tigers. He is considered a glove-first infielder, recording a career slash line of .254/.302/.389 at the plate in five seasons between the Texas Rangers and Tigers.
Ibañez should see playing time throughout the regular season as injuries have already opened up a spot for the infielder.
The signing of Ibañez marks the Dodgers’ third big league deal of the winter, following the deals with Miguel Rojas and baseball’s best closer Edwin Diaz. The defending champions could still make one more blockbuster deal before winter’s end as the Dodgers are one of three final suitors for star free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Tucker has already met with the Dodgers as well as the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays. Only time will tell whether the outfielder lands with LA.
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