When you’re the Dodgers, you don’t have to worry about a measly $1.2 million.
The reigning back-to-back World Series champions designated infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment on Tuesday, just weeks after inking him to a one-year, $1.2 million deal.
Clearing the 40-man roster spot allowed the Dodgers to claim outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Yankees after the Bronx Bombers previously claimed him off waivers from Los Angeles.
It’s certainly possible Ibanez could remain with the Dodgers should he go unclaimed, but its an interesting turn of events for the veteran.
Ibanez, 32, has spent five years in the majors beginning his career with the Rangers before joining the Tigers for the last three seasons.
The Tigers non-tendered him in November, and the Dodgers added him in early January while paying him a solid amount to bolster their infield depth.
Ibanez played five defensive positions last year, manning all four infield spots plus left field.
He hit .239 with a .653 OPS across 91 games, while adding four homers and 21 RBIs.
It would appear the Dodgers are valuing their outfield depth more at this moment, though, since they are giving Siani the coveted 40-man roster spot over Ibanez.
Siani, 26, has appeared in 160 games across four seasons with the Reds and Cardinals, including just 19 this past year for the Cardinals.
He’s struggled to provide any offensive value in the big leagues, hitting .235 with a .551 OPS last season.
In a career-high 124 games in the 2024 season with St. Louis, he hit .228 with a .570 OPS with just two homers and 20 RBIs.
He did nab 20 steals that year.
The Yankees claimed Siani on waivers on Jan. 23 and lost him less than two weeks later, and they also outrighted outfielder Marco Luciano to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday.
