The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially signed veteran infielder Andy Ibanez to the 40-man roster. To make room for the new addition, recently claimed infielder Ryan Fitzgerald was designated for assignment.
After a roster spot opened up from the Estury Ruiz trade, the Dodgers claimed Fitzgerald from the Minnesota Twins. On the same day, the organization agreed to terms with Ibanez, though a natural roster conflict arose as the 40-man roster was full.
More news: Dodgers Sign Veteran Infielder Andy Ibanez to One-Year Major League Deal
The Dodgers could have facilitated a trade or cut someone else on the team to make room on the roster for Fitzgerald and Ibanez, but they ended up designating him for assignment.
Fitzgerald has experience playing all over the field, spending time at each infield spot and helping out in the outfield.
Ibanez inked a $1.2 million, major league deal, meaning the organization has a clear vision for his role.
He has played at second base and third base, which would give cover to Max Muncy and add another body to the second base platoon that includes Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas, Hyeseong Kim, and Alex Freeland.
More news: Mets Get Kyle Tucker Free Agency Update Following Meeting
In three years, Ibanez has racked up 3.9 bWAR with the Twins, hitting .251/.304/.392 with a wRC+ of 93, slightly below average offensive production, but he paired it with quality defense.
Fitzgerald got his MLB debut in June after spending years in the minor leagues. During his time with the Twins, he hit .196/.302/.457 in 24 games. In Triple-A, he was notably more productive, hitting .277/.367/.469 last season.
Why did the Dodgers sign Ibanez?
The Dodgers have one of the older infield position groups in baseball as Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman, and Miguel Rojas assume prominent roles, along with Mookie Betts, all of whom are in the mid-to-late 30s.
Ibanez, while also in his 30s, gives another veteran who can better spread out the playing time and allow for the experienced players to rest and get ready for another potential deep playoff run.
Los Angeles is aiming to complete a three-peat, and to do so, the team will need to make it mostly healthy through the regular season.
The Dodgers have been known to prefer multi-position players rather than those locked into one spot, and Ibanez fits the bill perfectly.
More news: Kyle Tucker Market Takes Shape After Meetings With Three Teams
For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.