Dodgers Sign Andy Ibáñez: Veteran Infielder Joins 2026 Roster

The Los Angeles Dodgers have once again dipped into the market for experience and versatility. They’ve signed utility infielder Andy Ibáñez to a major league contract.

Maybe it’s not a headline-grabber like a blockbuster trade, but this move says a lot about how the Dodgers are quietly getting ready for an aging infield and a roster puzzle that’s only getting trickier as 2026 approaches.

Dodgers Add Veteran Depth with Andy Ibáñez Signing

According to BeisbolFR insider Francys Romero, the Dodgers and Ibáñez have agreed to a major league deal. The financial details haven’t surfaced yet.

To make room for Ibáñez, Los Angeles will need to clear a spot on its 40-man roster. That step shows the Dodgers see him as more than just a depth piece for the minors.

A Familiar Name from Detroit

Ibáñez heads to Los Angeles after three seasons with the Detroit Tigers. At 32, he was non-tendered in November, not because he fell off, but because of roster economics.

Detroit paid him $1.4 million in 2025. Projections had his number climbing to around $1.8 million if he’d stayed.

In 304 games and 820 plate appearances with Detroit, Ibáñez put up a .251/.304/.392 slash line and a 93 wRC+. Those numbers aren’t flashy, but they’re solid for a guy whose main value is elsewhere.

Defensive Versatility Drives Ibáñez’s Value

Ibáñez doesn’t bring a ton of pop at the plate, but he makes up for it with flexibility. Not many players can cover as many spots defensively as he can.

That makes him a pretty ideal fit for a Dodgers team that loves mixing and matching to get every edge.

Coverage Across the Diamond

Over his major league career, Ibáñez has played:

This kind of versatility is huge for a club like Los Angeles. They’re always moving guys around to keep people fresh and get the right matchups.

An Aging and Unsettled Dodgers Infield

Right now, the Dodgers’ infield is both experienced and, honestly, a little unsettled. Mookie Betts, now 33, has bounced between positions lately.

Freddie Freeman (36) and Max Muncy (35) are still productive, but they’re not getting younger. Shohei Ohtani’s arrival pretty much locks up the designated hitter spot.

Second Base Remains a Question Mark

Second base is still up in the air going into 2026. The Dodgers have a few internal options: Tommy Edman, Hyeseong Kim, Miguel Rojas, and prospect Alex Freeland, who still has minor league options.

Ibáñez gives them another steady choice who can move around without throwing the roster out of whack.

Short-Term Insurance with Long-Term Implications

Ibáñez has used up his last minor league option. He’ll need to stick on the active roster or risk waivers.

That fact alone tells you the Dodgers see him as real bench depth, not just a quick fix.

Planning Beyond 2026

The move hints at some forward planning. Miguel Rojas already said he’ll retire after this season.

Max Muncy is set to hit free agency once the 2026 campaign wraps up. If Ibáñez plays well, he could become arbitration-eligible again, which would give the Dodgers a cost-controlled veteran while they’re in transition.

In a season loaded with stars, signing Andy Ibáñez is a little reminder that championships often come down to the margins. For the Dodgers, this feels like a calculated bet on experience, flexibility, and being ready—qualities that, honestly, tend to matter most in October.

 
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