Dodgers brutally dump former Tigers infielder after just three weeks on the roster

After spending the last three seasons with the Detroit Tigers, utility infielder Andy Ibáñez seemingly found a new home a few weeks ago when he inked a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Between Tommy Edman possibly not being ready for Opening Day and Kiké Hernández still a free agent, the impression was that Ibáñez had a secured spot on the Dodgers' bench. As it turns out, it wasn't that secure.

Instead, after claiming outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the New York Yankees, the Dodgers designated Ibáñez for assignment. It's certainly odd roster maneuvering, considering the 32-year-old infielder just signed a major league deal, and Siani was dumped to make room for Kyle Tucker on the 40-man roster. That being said, Ibáñez was only set to earn $1.2 million in 2026, which is mere spare change for the Dodgers.

It's hard to make sense of that roster move. The Dodgers thought highly enough of the former Tigers infielder to sign him to a one-year deal, but lowly enough to ditch him at the first moment that they needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Strange behavior, but then again, the Dodgers have won two consecutive World Series titles.

Three weeks was all it took for Dodgers to ditch former Tigers infielder

Perhaps, once the Tigers have clarity on Tarik Skubal's arbitration situation, they are the team to circle back to Ibáñez. As the roster is currently constructed, Max Anderson and Hao-Yu Lee are expected to be the leading candidates to take over in the utility role on the bench.

The Tigers seem intent on giving their prospects an extended runway at the major league level this season, and while that should be encouraged, it's worth noting they haven't done much else with their roster this winter.

In an offseason where Detroit found an offensive upgrade at third base, it would've made sense to hand over a bench spot to one of Anderson or Lee. The pressure on either prospect to produce wouldn't be as high as it currently is. If nothing else, the return of Ibáñez would provide the Tigers with a cushion.

Considering he signed for less than $2 million before being cut loose by the Dodgers, money shouldn't be an obstacle for the Tigers.