Andy Ibáñez’s one-year, $1.2M deal with the Dodgers and his choice to skip the World Baseball Classic increases his chances of being on the Opening Day bench. Punters might lean toward Dodgers moneylines or shorter early-season spreads thanks to deeper infield depth and a fresher roster option for late-game matchups.
Dodgers Add Versatile Bench Piece: Andy Ibáñez Signs One-Year Contract
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed utility player Andy Ibáñez to a one-year, $1.2 million contract after he was non-tendered this MLB offseason. The deal makes Ibáñez a likely member of the Dodgers’ bench mix, bringing multi-positional depth and left-handed hitting options to the big-league roster.
Major League Track Record and Role
Ibáñez spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Tigers, compiling a .251/.304/.392 slash line with 20 home runs, 94 RBI and a 93 wRC+ across 304 games. He also appeared in 116 games for the Texas Rangers during the 2021–22 seasons. With experience at first base, second base, third base and left field—and limited time at shortstop and right field—Ibáñez projects as a primary option at second base and the corner infields for the Dodgers.
Roster Status and Transaction Considerations
Ibáñez has no minor-league options remaining, which increases the likelihood he opens the season on the Dodgers’ 26-man roster. If the Dodgers ever sought to remove him, the club would have to designate him for assignment and place him on waivers.
World Baseball Classic Decision
Ibáñez withdrew from the Team Cuba roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic to concentrate on preparing for the Dodgers’ season. He previously represented Cuba in WBC play in 2013 and 2023; in the 2023 tournament he appeared in one game, recording one hit and an RBI. Born in Havana in 1993, Ibáñez defected from Cuba in 2014.
Dodgers’ International Representation and Context
Several Dodgers players have opted out of WBC participation to prioritize the regular season, and the club will have a limited group representing it internationally this year. Notable Dodgers still slated for the tournament include Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Will Smith, while other rostered players elected to sit out to focus on Spring Training and Opening Day preparations.
Betting Implications and Season Outlook
Ibáñez’s arrival and WBC withdrawal boost Los Angeles’ infield depth and bench versatility—a marginal but meaningful factor for early-season betting lines.
For bettors that value roster depth, this could translate into slightly stronger confidence in Dodgers short-term moneylines and tighter run-line spreads, as managers have more late-inning options and insurance against infield injuries.
Consider monitoring early-season role clarity before placing player-prop or lineup-dependent bets.
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Latest update on Dodgers who had an opportunity to commit to the WBC.
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