Report: Dodgers sign ex-Tigers utility man who had a remarkably low strikeout rate last season

Conor Liguori

Report: Dodgers sign ex-Tigers utility man who had a remarkably low strikeout rate last season image

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to add to their depth. 

On Friday, Francys Romero reported on X that utility infielder Andy Ibandez agreed to a one-year deal with the Dodgers. Ibanez, 32, primarily plays third and second base but made four appearances at first with the Detroit Tigers in 2025. 

He's coming off a fairly respectable season as a bench piece in Detroit, hitting.239/.301/.352 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in 91 games. At the plate, Ibanez has a contact-oriented approach, keeping his strikeout tendency at a mere 13.5% in 193 plate appearances last year. 

His six outs above average ranked just outside the top 50 defensive players for the 2024 season, potentially giving the Dodgers confidence to use him as a defensive replacement late in games. 

The Dodgers need to make a roster decision 

Los Angeles has a full 40-man roster, so signing Ibanez requires them to make a corresponding move. Ibanez's contract is a Major League deal. 

They can open a spot by designating a player for assignment or releasing them. Facilitating a trade is also an option. 

The Dodgers also claimed Ryan Fitzgerald from the Minnesota Twins today, an infielder who hit.196 with four home runs in 24 games in his debut season. 

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Editorial Team