The Athletics have made a strategic move, acquiring versatile infielder/outfielder Andy Ibañez from the Dodgers. This move comes as a result of Los Angeles' attempt to stash Ibañez in Triple-A as a depth option by passing him through waivers. The A's have claimed him off waivers, picking up the $1.2MM bill and adding a powerful left-handed batter to their infield mix.
Ibañez, 32, is out of minor league options, which means the Dodgers' strategy to sneak him through outright waivers was a calculated risk. With a crowded infield/bench group, the Dodgers signed Ibañez to a low-cost deal, but his lack of service time meant he couldn't reject an outright assignment. Now, he heads north to West Sacramento, calling the hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park home.
The A's are in need of a third baseman, and Ibañez will compete for at-bats in that role while also providing a credible backup around the diamond. His versatility is an asset, as he has experience at second base, first base, shortstop, and the outfield corners. With 5300 professional innings at second base, 724 at first base, 242 at shortstop, and 186 in the outfield corners, he's a well-rounded player.
Ibañez's performance in the major leagues speaks for itself. In parts of five seasons, he's a .254/.304/.389 hitter, with a strong showing against left-handed pitchers. He hits lefties at a .280/.372/.452 clip, making him a valuable addition to the A's lineup.
Ibañez will compete with Darell Hernaiz, Brett Harris, Max Schuemann, and Max Muncy for time at third base. However, his experience and versatility make him a strong contender for the Athletics' Opening Day roster.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
