Jan. 13: The deal is now official. Ryan Fitzgerald has been designated for assignment as the corresponding move.
Jan. 10: Ibáñez’s deal is for $1.2MM, according to Romero. He can also earn up to $100k in performance bonuses.
Jan. 9: The Dodgers have signed infielder Andy Ibáñez to a major league deal, reports Francys Romero of BeisbolFR. The salary has not yet been reported. The Dodgers have a full 40-man roster and will need to make a corresponding move to make this deal official. Ibáñez is represented by The Movement Baseball.
Ibáñez, 33 in April, was just non-tendered by the Tigers in November. He had spent three years with Detroit in a utility role. He got into 304 games over that span, stepping to the plate 820 times. He produced a combined batting line of .251/.304/.392, which translated to a wRC+ of 93. While that offense was a bit below average, Ibáñez provided a lot of defensive versatility. He played all four infield spots as well as the outfield corners.
That wasn’t enough to keep him in Detroit for 2026. He exhausted his final option year in 2025, meaning he will be out of options going forward. He had qualified for arbitration a year ago as a Super Two player. The Tigers paid him $1.4MM in 2025. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected him for a raise to $1.8MM this year but Detroit didn’t tender him a contract, sending him to free agency instead.
The Dodgers have a relatively older infield group. Shortstop Mookie Betts is 33 years old and was a full-time outfielder not long ago. 36-year-old Freddie Freeman is at first base and 35-year-old Max Muncy is at the other corner. Getting a semi rest day in the designated hitter slot isn’t really an option thanks to the presence of Shohei Ohtani.
Second base is a bit more fluid. Tommy Edman, Hyeseong Kim, Miguel Rojas and Alex Freeland are options for that spot. Rojas will be turning 37 years old soon. Edman isn’t quite as old, turning 31 in May, but is coming off ankle surgery. Kim can play other positions around the diamond. Freeland is a notable prospect for the club and still optionable, so perhaps it makes sense for him to be getting regular playing time in Triple-A if he doesn’t have an everyday job in the majors.
Ibáñez will give the club another multi-positional guy on the bench who can bounce around as needed, depending on who else is healthy and producing. If he has a good season with the Dodgers, he can be retained beyond 2026 via arbitration. Rojas has already said that he will retire after this year, so that’ll be one less guy in the mix for 2027 and beyond. Muncy is also slated for free agency a season from now but the Dodgers will presumably come up with some plan for third base in the next year, whether that’s bringing back Muncy or some alternative.
Photo courtesy of Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images
Disgusting. How are teams like the Brewers and Marlins even supposed to compete at this point
With Andy Ibanez? Maybe sign another low-end utility guy?
Disgusting how is a person suppose to understand sarcasm
Yep, that one is on me. Might as well wear it.
I mean in your defense, it’s tougher on this site than pretty much anywhere else considering some of the earnest idiocy that gets spewed so freely.
Everything passes for wisdom, somewhere.
True however I still find this the most intelligent comments site on the internet. The bar isn’t very high.
JF
” I still find this the most intelligent comments site on the internet.”
I mean, just for baseball there’s fangraphs.
So how long are we planning to keep my stupidity at the top of this site?
Hilarious.
😂😂😂
They can’t keep getting away with this!
This made me chuckle 😅
My immediate first thought was Chick Hearns call when the Lakers game was in the bag and the Lakers won. Dodgers 3peat
“This game’s in the refrigerator: the door’s closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter’s getting hard, and the Jell-O’s jiggling!”
I do miss Chick.
I can only imagine the stories that Vin and Chick are telling while broadcasting a celebrity softball game of all the all time greats..
The Dodgers should be aiming higher than that.
Maybe you should let them know how to run their organization.
They just can’t compete with the Blue Jays
They added Alex Call and Brock Stewart at the trade deadline last season when everyone thought that would go big. It worked out.
But it was surprising for sure.
Thought they would want more than a non-tender.
There’s a better than zero chance they be making a trade. We’ll see.
Or might spell the end of Kike’s time with the Dodgers.
Danny,
He won’t be ready to play for a while. A lot will depend on how these guys play. If they are just ok, they’ll bring Kike back when he’s ready, in time to ramp up for the playoffs.
The Dodgers would be open to that, if he’s ready and a spot is warranted. I think us the fans would just love to bring Kike back, even if his numbers aren’t there he brings energy and clubhouse vibes that help set the team up nicely.
They are short of funds.
A71
“The Dodgers should be aiming higher than that.”
As they stand now, they are probably the best team in baseball.
fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=ALL&t…
Why “should” the aim higher than that
Plus, they can still add to the team via free agency or trade.
Dodgers front doesn’t get enough credit for their scouting and player development. People only focus on their big signings they ignore them being one of the best organizations at consistently finding discarded talent from other teams and using them in a role that fits their skill sets. I could definitely see Ibanez being a valuable role player for them off the bench if he makes the team
If Tampa Bay can compete on a regular basis there are no excuses for any organization. Fans should hold their teams ownership accountable.
Tampa is only a competitive franchise if you allow them the excuse of their market. Losing record overall, winning record in 12/28 seasons, 9 playoff appearances(thanks to the wild card) and 2 World Series appearances (both losses). Some might call this competitive. I call it average at best or doing what you can with what you’ve got
Please compare them to actual competitors since Tampa became a team in 98; NYY, LAD, BOS, STL, PHI, HOU, SFG, ATL
According to ChatGPT, the Astros are the only ones with a winning record. Blue Jays are the closest.
Winning record in what? I know the Yankees haven’t had a losing season since the 90s
Astros are the only expansion franchise that has a winning record. Yankees are not an expansion team.
Okay, you narrowed the idea to just recent expansion teams. Yes the Astros have been very competitive which is why I listed them as one of the competitive teams.
The best trash can bangers in baseball.
@oyea, Most people are talking about post “Rays” rebrand when discussing the competitive nature of the Rays.
Since 2009 they have 9 playoff appearances, 4 division titles and 2 pennants. That is very impressive for a bottom budget team.
I don’t think anyone is arguing that they were awful for their first decade in the league.
“For a bottom budget team”
@ohyea
Odd that you took a gotcha stance on this one seeing as I was just commenting back and forth. I enjoy good comment thread from time to time but it’s tough when people take it personal.
Long story short the Rays have been a competitive team since 2009. Calling what they have done “average at best” is not backed up by the numbers. And yes that’s especially true if you take into account their payroll.
Any team is competitive if you throw out their worst half of years. The whole discussion was based on the fact they’re only considered competitive due to their budget. Compare them with the real contenders. Wasn’t going for a got ya, only pointing out you used the clarification I was referring too. Small market teams are only compared to other small market teams and it bothers me we small market fans have to settle for good “for a bottom budget team “. We can’t compare ourselves to the real teams and are stuck as AAAA feeder teams for the real competition
Rays are 8th in the MLB in wins over the last decade. They have 9 90+ win seasons over the last 17 seasons. A couple more mid 80 win seasons and a number of seasons near .500-ish. And they’ve only had one bad season since 2008 despite having one of the lowest payrolls in baseball and being in the toughest division in baseball.
Rays are a 5th place team in the AL East.
1. Blue Jays
2. Orioles
3. Yankees
4. Red Sox
5. Rays
Even if you slot them in another AL divison, take the AL West, they still finish behind the Astros and the Mariners and maybe the A’s or Rangers. The only division they have a chance in is the AL Central. However, I still think the Guardians and Tigers are better than them.
This is a good player like rojas. I hate the dodgers but dont sleep on this move.
He’s got great range, but a poor arm. Short term at 3rd, but he’s best at 2nd. Problem is that while he hits lefties well, he is woeful against right-handed pitching, Anyone he’d platoon with outside of Kim, hits from the same side (Edman’s strong side is from the right side), and would be a better option against lefties.
Left field is an option, but there’s that arm again.
I hope he likes Oklahoma.
Michael Siani, we hardly knew ye!
I’ll never forget standing in my company’s conference room watching Andy Ibanez hit a base-clearing double off Josh Hader to send the 2024 Tigers into the real playoffs for the first time in a decade! Probably the highlight of his career.
I had it on the radio and just had a feeling he’d do it. Such an electric moment
The article above forgot to mention how clutch Ibanez has been as a pinch hitter. He is just waiting to hit against a LH pitcher, regardless of quality. He hits them all! Tigers found Jamal Jones this past year, and he was even better. With Veirling back healthy, and able to play 3B, there just wasn’t enough room on the bench.
I just managed to see that. Got home from work and turned the TV on seconds before he did it.
Was pretty awesome.
🙁 🙁 🙁
Did not enjoy that moment.
Decent pickup but I doubt he makes the active roster unless Andrew has a deal brewing that involves Kim.
well its a major league deal and hes out of options so…my guess is their bench will be Rojas, Ibanez,and either Call or another OF. Ibanez is a perfect platoon partner for Muncy. Rojas probably will platoon with Kim at 2B
I think another move is gonna happen.
I think they will add an outfielder
Kike Hernandez is still coming back, I imagine.
Ibanez doesn’t have any minor league options left so it seems they’re planning on him making the active roster.
Ibáñez is a solid bench piece for them. Still shouldn’t take them out of the market for Bichette.
It’s a numbers game. They still need an outfielder and have 26 guys without counting Fitzgerald who they claimed earlier today. I don’t believe the Bichette hype. That would put Edman in CF every day and I don’t think that is in the plan. Plenty of time to shake things up with a trade or a FA OF though.
I don’t think LA is the front-runner for Bichette either. But they’re still well positioned to strike if Bo’s market collapses.
And Edman wouldn’t have to be pushed into CF. I think Pages is more capable there and Fitzgerald and Alex Call still have options. Edman’s versatile enough that Roberts can find playing time for him. I could see Muncy settling in as a strong-side platoon guy.
If he’s getting 300 million, that does.
His hit off Hader will be his legacy. Electric moment.
Buh-bye Kike’ !??
Kiké’s ETA isn’t until earliest May or June.
Or the deadline for post-season eligibility 🤣
This is a placeholder move until Kike is ready.
I like it. Effectively a Kike replacement. He hits lefties well, and can platoon with Kim (and give Muncy days off)
Hard for me to imagine Ibáñez replacing Kike; but, if that’s the plan, so be it. Would save over $10m, accounting for the CBT.
Exactly. Look at Muncy vs LHP the last 4 years. They’ve steadily cratered. He had a .564 OPS against them last year. Ibanez is a solid bench/pinch hitter vs lefties.
Kiki’s not the only one getting replaced by AI
I liked Ibanez with my Tigers. This year, however, he didn’t do much. I wish him well. The Dodgers are interesting. I’ll be surprised if Andy sticks with them. He doesn’t seem like a Dodger.
Kiké’s a free agent. We don’t know what his salary will be, if any.
He’s also coming off multiple surgeries and won’t be ready until the all star break
But how much is deferred. (Cue the dodgers fans in 5.4.3.2
Brendan Donovan would have looked good in LA
Hold that thought. So far Donovan is still in St. Louis.
Good luck in LA Andy!
Low risk. Even if they cut him. Probably a 900k deal.
This move suggests to me that Edman won’t be asked to be ready for Opening Day. Kike won’t be ready for months – but he will sign after spring training g starts and he can go on the 60-man.
This makes more sense if Kim or Freeland is being traded – although Freeland has options. Because they still need an OF.
Don’t love Rushing, Call, Ibanez, Rojas bench.
But in Freidman we trust.
that’s pretty accurate to my mind Echo
Jackson Ferris, Josue DePaula, Justin Wrobleski and Alex Freeland for Tarik Skubal?
OH HELL NO giving away 3 of the Top Prospects of #1 #4 & #6 for a 1 year Rental is not worth it.
Plus the Dodgers don’t need Skubal
This makes me interested to see what happens with Skubal after the arbitration hearing.
He’ll take his $19M and pitch in Detroit til the trade deadline.
I’m not so sure droppedthirdstrike, Tigers didn’t even top the amount David Price got 15 years ago. Foul territory said that would be $27 million today with inflation. Boras is going to take advantage of the CBA clause allowing him to comp with free agents in the final year of arb. By that argument $32 million us a steal.
He will pitch.
He will pitch well.
Make it loud make it proud!
Way to go, Andy! Good luck!
This would indicate that Enrique Hernandez’s 2nd tenure with the Dodgers is now ended
Not really. Kile is like the Terminator. He always comes back and is welcomed.
Kike!
That is his nickname & his name is Enrique
Ibanez is the 2nd IF that the Dodgers have added this week & unless one of them is let go there is no room for Enrique
Kike is to the Dodgers what Jesse Chavez isto the Braves
They’ll probably sign kike in the spring when they can put him on the 60 day. Saves a 40 man spot. Only really need Hernandez for October anyway.
The Dodgers have brought in 2 IF this week & that signals the end of Enriques 2nd tenure with the team.
Dodgers have infinite spots on the IL, and they’ve got players with options, and they’ve got at least a couple players in Venezuela whose visa situation is uncertain. This is depth and coverage.
Good depth signing, he’s not a great player but a steady versatile one. He got away from the Detroit circus, so it’s a huge improvement for Andy.
Dodgers continue to ruin baseball by making smart moves.
Yates, Scott and Conforto say hi
Back to back trophies answer.
Thin-skinned and and smug, bad combo
Are you looking in a mirror?
My mirror has nothing to be smug about
Dodgers usually make great moves. But those three signing went so far south they almost tanked the season.
Hopefully Scott rebounds, with him and Diaz locking down the last two innings. If not, it was a terrible set of signings with few positives.
I think Scott bounces back, he was too good in 2023-24
If he and Diaz play up to expectations, the Dodgers bullpen should be excellent this year. So many good options.
Yeah. Can you guys please trade with the Angels and move to the AL West for awhile?
But then you have a religious issue. Can you really root for the Padres over Angels?
The Dodgers would hate to put San Diego fans in that dilemma.
as a sympathetic fan I root for all teams and players, especially the good lords servants, but who would root against the residents of Brooklyn in their attempts to avoid fast-moving streetcars? Ok, other than the US Homeland Security Advisor?
You mean they don’t ruin baseball by signing journeymen because they miss sometimes? They only ruin baseball if they sign good players?
Are you trying to be sarcastic or smart? What is your point, exactly? I feel like there’s a communication issue here.
Are the Angels ruining baseball because they signed Yates this season? He was part of the ruining baseball team last season. Can the Angels sign good players and not ruin baseball? What if the Angels defer a contract, like they did Rendon?
Should the Pirates not have signed O’Hearn? He’s pretty good. Did the Cubs ruin baseball today by signing Bregman?
Ahh ok, sarcasm. Just making sure we’re on the same page.
I never claimed the Dodgers are ruining baseball, sheesh
It’s a meme at this point. As of yesterday, the Cubs are ruining baseball.
I’m not sure what the reason is for the meeting today
Beep beep! FEDENSE!
So Andy takes over Kike then?
Perhaps Kike doesn’t come back or they sign him and stash him on the IL for as long as they can
Ibáñez is here so Betts, Freeman and Muncy don’t have to play 162.
LMAO so Kíke except way worse. Got it
Dodgers probably found another hidden gem with this guy. Can see him becoming a valuable utility player like Miggy Rojas or Chris Taylor.
Wishing thinking, given that he turns 33 at the start of the season. He could very well retire before he reaches free agency.
You never know. This guy could very well be hitting a game winning hit in the playoffs. Dodgers are good at finding diamonds in the rough. I’m not being facetious here.
All we can know to predict the future is the past. And based on his past, the more likely scenario for Ibanez is he’s Kike Hernandez while Kike Hernandez is unavailable. If Hernandez comes back, I’d be surprised to see Ibanez still on the roster by midseason.
He could’ve easily batted cleanup for the Red Sox.. C’mon Breslow! Another FA slips through the cracks and the number remains ZERO.
Unless they are pin pointing defense Fitzgerald is a lights above better batter than Ibanez.