Andy Ibanez signed a one-year Major League deal with the Dodgers, adding contact-first infield depth and late-inning defense. For bettors, that slightly strengthens Los Angeles in close games — expect marginally tighter run-line odds and consider under on opponent team totals in low-scoring matchups; Ibanez’s offensive ceiling won’t swing player props, but his defense reduces late-game volatility.
Dodgers Bolster Infield Depth with Andy Ibanez
The Los Angeles Dodgers have added utility infielder Andy Ibanez on a one-year Major League contract. The 32-year-old, who can play second, third and has logged appearances at first base, arrives as a versatile bench option built for contact and late-inning defensive work.
Offensive profile
Ibanez hit .239/.301/.352 with four home runs and 21 RBIs across 91 games last season, posting 193 plate appearances. He relies on a contact-oriented approach, limiting strikeouts to roughly 13.5% of plate appearances, which makes him a dependable situational hitter off the bench rather than a power threat.
Defensive value and late-inning role
Defensively, Ibanez produced six outs above average, placing him just outside the top 50 defenders in the prior full season. That metric and his positional versatility give the Dodgers a credible late-inning defensive replacement and a multi-positional depth piece for matchup-driven substitutions.
Roster implications
The signing comes with an immediate roster decision: Los Angeles must clear a spot on a full 40-man roster. The club can create room by designating a player for assignment, releasing a player, or engineering a trade. The move represents a low-risk depth addition on a Major League deal.
Depth addition: Ryan Fitzgerald claimed
The Dodgers also claimed infielder Ryan Fitzgerald from the Minnesota Twins. Fitzgerald, who made his debut last season, hit .196 with four home runs in 24 games, offering additional infield depth and upside as a roster option in case of injury or further roster churn.
Betting implications
Ibanez’s profile suggests stability more than impact. Bettors should expect a small defensive lift for the Dodgers in close games, which can slightly compress run-line spreads and make unders on tight matchups a bit more attractive. Ibanez is unlikely to move season-long market lines as a hitter, but his presence reduces late-inning defensive risk for Los Angeles.
Bo Bichette reunion with Blue Jays may be most likely outcome
This could be an underrated pickup for the World Series champions.
Sporting News
