After spending time with four different MLB organizations this offseason, Michael Siani may have finally found a permanent landing spot. The Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed the outfielder, the team announced. Infielder Andy Ibanez has been designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Siani entered the offseason as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, the club where he’s spent the majority of his big-league career. He was scooped up off waivers by the Atlanta Braves in early November. After about a month with the club, Siani was designated for assignment and claimed by the Dodgers. L.A. held on to him until late January, when he was designated for assignment again. The New York Yankees picked Siani up, only to subject him to waivers five days later. The Dodgers swooped in and grabbed him once again on February 3.
Fringe-level MLB players can sometimes fall down these DFA/waiver claim rabbit holes. They’re valuable enough to add to a roster, but not coveted to the degree that they’ll stick around when something more interesting comes along. Teams hunting for depth to stash in the minor leagues will target these players and attempt to sneak them through waivers. If they survive without getting claimed, they can wait in the minors until injuries or other issues arise.
Los Angeles Dodgers Pick Up Outfield Depth Piece
Siani has spent parts of the past four seasons with the Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds. He’s compiled an ugly 58 wRC+ across 383 plate appearances. The 26-year-old Siani’s most extended look came in 2024 with St. Louis. He appeared in 124 games, slashing an underwhelming .228/.285/.285. He did chip in 20 steals as a part-time player.
The main appeal for Siani is his defense. He’s been credited with 7 Defensive Runs Saved in 1,014 career innings. Statcast’s Outs Above Average metric was even more positive, grading Siani as a +16 in 2024. That mark ranked in the 99th percentile.
Siani could fill the defensive-minded backup outfield void left by Justin Dean, who was designated for assignment and claimed by the San Francisco Giants back in November. As Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors points out, the timing of Siani’s addition could help him stay in the organization. Once MLB Spring Training starts in mid-February, clubs can move injured players to the 60-day IL. That option will open up some breathing room on the 40-man roster and limit the churn of players like Siani.
Dodgers Move on From Recent Free Agent Signing
The fall guy for the Siani acquisition is Ibanez, who joined the Dodgers on a one-year, $1.2 million deal back in January. Ibanez had been with the Tigers for the past three seasons. He was not tendered a contract at the conclusion of the season.
The 32-year-old Ibanez was a reasonably attractive addition given his defensive versatility and decent production at the plate. The utilityman has posted a 92 wRC+ across five big-league seasons. He spent time at all four infield positions with the Tigers, while also making the occasional appearance in the outfield. Ibanez is likely ticketed for waivers, where he could hop on the same merry-go-round that Siani just departed.
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