Athletics ruin Dodgers plan with claim of $1.2 million infielder off waivers

The Athletics have not been adding a lot of outside talent this offseason, but they have been taking care of their own. Tyler Soderstom and Jacob Wilson both signed long-term extensions.

Despite their lack of outside activity this offseason, the A's have recently made a roster move that has ruined the plan of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

According to Francys Romero of Beisbolfr.com, the Athletics have claimed former Detroit Tigers infielder Andy Ibanez. He signed a $1.2 million deal with the Dodgers this offseason, and their sneaky plan didn't work at all.

A's ruin Dodgers sneaky Andy Ibanez plan

"Sources: Andy Ibanez was claimed off waivers by the Athletics," Romero reports. "Represented by The Baseball Movement. He is guaranteed $1.2 million for the 2026 season."

The Dodgers tried to sneak Ibanez through waivers to stash him in Triple-A. But, because the veteran infielder was out of options, the Dodgers had to designate him for assignment.

That posed the risk of him getting claimed, which is what happened with the A's claiming the 32-year-old lefty hitting infielder.

Despite the Dodgers spending $1.2 million and negotiating his contract this offseason, they never got a chance to play a game with him as their release didn't go to plan.

He didn't sneak through waivers, instead getting picked up by the Athletics, who now are on the hook for $1.2 million for the 2026 season.

More: Former Yankees, Reds, A's outfielder agrees to $4M deal with Padres

Ibanez is a solid depth option for the A's, and with the ability to play at shortstop, third base, first base, second base, and even in the outfield if needed, he's a super-utility option for the Athletics this upcoming season.

He's not the best hitter, posting a .239 batting average with a .653 OPS last season for the Tigers in 91 games. In his career, he has a .254 average with a .694 OPS.

Ibanez isn't a terrible hitter, nor is he the best. His 92 OPS+ tells the story: he's slightly below average, but still a capable hitter.

The Athletics claim Ibanez has given them a solid depth piece, and also ruined the Dodgers plan. It's a win on multiple levels for the A's.

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