LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers stocked up on infield depth, announcing a one-year, $1.2 million contract with Andy Ibáñez on Tuesday. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, which is full, the team designated for assignment fellow infielder Ryan Fitzgerald, who was claimed off waivers last Friday.
The Dodgers' starting infield is mostly set, with Freddie Freeman at first, Max Muncy at third and Mookie Betts at shortstop. But at least to begin the season, there are some questions surrounding second base.
Utility man Tommy Edman should get plenty of starts at the keystone, but he is expected to be delayed coming into Spring Training due to offseason ankle surgery. If he ends up missing time when the regular season begins, the Dodgers' other options include Miguel Rojas, Hyeseong Kim, No. 4 prospect Alex Freeland and now Ibáñez.
Ibáñez, 32, was non-tendered by the Tigers in November. He primarily appeared at third base last season but has played all over the infield with a handful of outfield appearances in five seasons in the Majors. He hit .239 with a .653 OPS in 91 games with Detroit in 2025, also spending some time with Triple-A Toledo midway through the season. In his career, the right-handed-hitting Ibáñez has been more impactful against lefties (.280 average, .778 OPS).
Fitzgerald, 31, was designated for assignment by Minnesota on Jan. 2. He spent most of last season with Triple-A St. Paul, slashing .277/.367/.469 while seeing time at second base and shortstop. He also made his Major League debut for the Twins, going 9-for-46 (.196) in 24 games.