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Dodgers Add Veteran Infielder Andy Ibáñez cover image

The Dodgers secure veteran utility infielder Andy Ibáñez, bolstering infield depth with proven major league experience.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued to prioritize depth and versatility this offseason, agreeing to a major league contract with infielder Andy Ibáñez, according to reports from Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.

While financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, the signing adds another experienced, multi-position option to a roster already built around flexibility. Because the Dodgers’ 40-man roster is currently full, a corresponding move will be required before the transaction can be officially finalized.

Ibáñez, who will turn 33 in April, joins Los Angeles after spending the past three seasons with the Detroit Tigers. During his time in Detroit, he carved out a role as a reliable utility player, appearing in 304 games and logging 820 plate appearances.

Offensively, Ibáñez posted a cumulative .251/.304/.392 slash line, production that landed slightly below league average with a 93 wRC+. While his bat was never the centerpiece of his value, it was serviceable enough to justify regular use, particularly when paired with his defensive adaptability.

That versatility is where Ibáñez made his strongest impact. Over the last three years, he appeared at all four infield positions and also spent time in both corner outfield spots. For a contending team like the Dodgers, which frequently navigates injuries, rest days, and matchup-based lineups, that kind of defensive flexibility is often just as important as raw offensive output.

Despite his usefulness, Detroit elected not to tender Ibáñez a contract for the 2026 season, sending him to free agency in November. He had exhausted his final minor league option in 2025, meaning he would have needed to stick on the major league roster all season.

After earning $1.4 million last year and being projected for a modest raise in arbitration, the Tigers opted to move on, opening the door for Los Angeles to step in.

From the Dodgers’ perspective, the fit is logical. The team’s infield core is talented but aging. Mookie Betts, now firmly entrenched at shortstop, is 33 and only relatively recently transitioned from the outfield.

Freddie Freeman remains elite at first base but will be 36 this season, while Max Muncy, 35, continues to handle third base. With Shohei Ohtani occupying the designated hitter spot on most days, opportunities to rotate regulars through DH for rest are limited.

Second base remains the most unsettled position. Tommy Edman is expected to factor in but is coming off ankle surgery. Hyeseong Kim offers athleticism and defensive range but may be deployed around the diamond.

Miguel Rojas, nearing 37 and already signaling that 2026 will be his final season, is more of a short-term solution. Prospect Alex Freeland remains part of the long-term picture but is still optionable and may benefit from consistent playing time in Triple-A rather than a sporadic bench role in the majors.

Ibáñez adds insurance across the infield and beyond, giving manager Dave Roberts another trusted option to plug into multiple roles depending on health and performance.

If he performs well, the Dodgers could retain him beyond 2026 through arbitration, providing continuity as the roster evolves. With Rojas expected to retire and Muncy approaching free agency, Ibáñez represents a low-risk, flexible addition who helps stabilize the present while keeping future options open.

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