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By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
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The Los Angeles Dodgers signed veteran infielder Andy Ibanez to a one-year deal on Friday, their second move of the day as they look to bolster the organizational depth.
Ibanez agreed to a major league contract, meaning he will have a spot on the roster entering MLB Spring Training.
More news: Dodgers Claim Versatile Infielder Ryan Fitzgerald After Roster Shakeup
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The Dodgers also added versatile infielder Ryan Fitzgerald through waivers.
Los Angeles had a roster spot open that was taken up by Fitzgerald, though the 40-man roster is now full, meaning the Dodgers will have to make another move to make the Ibanez deal official.
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The deal was first reported by Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, and it makes a strong statement about the direction the Dodgers could be heading with roster building.
In his last three years with the Detroit Tigers, Ibanez has hit .251/.304/.392 with a wRC+ of 93, slightly below average production, but he paired it with quality defense. For a platoon piece, the veteran should fit in well and provide coverage on an infield that is one of the oldest in baseball.
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The Dodgers have a good deal of infielders, especially now that Ibanez and Fitzgerald were added to the team, but Tommy Edman had surgery over the offseason, and Enrique Hernandez remains a free agent who went through his own procedure, meaning he might not be ready for Opening Day.
Both Hernandez and Edman play utility roles, moving around a good deal in the Dodgers' infield and outfield.
Why did the Dodgers add Ibanez and Fitzgerald?
Team insider Katie Woo of The Athletic broke down the rationale for the Dodgers' signing of both Ibanez and Fitzgerald.
"There is some positional redundancy here, especially considering the number of right-handed hitters on the roster, and the Dodgers could use that as a way to open the door for other offseason moves.
"Or the club could simply retain as much depth as possible and make roster decisions throughout the course of the spring. Ibáñez is out of minor-league options, but Fitzgerald has two option years.
"The Dodgers also remain interested in bringing back utility man Kiké Hernández, who underwent left elbow surgery in November, putting his availability for Opening Day in jeopardy. It’s likely the Dodgers wait to pursue a reunion with Hernández once there is better clarity regarding his estimated recovery timeline.
"For now, Fitzgerald and Ibáñez best represent surplus options as the Dodgers wait out Edman’s health."
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