Dodgers Reclaim Michael Siani on Waivers

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Tuesday that they have claimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the New York Yankees, a move that continues a busy and unpredictable offseason for the 26-year-old. 

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated infielder Andy Ibáñez for assignment, just weeks after signing him to a one-year, $1.2 million contract.

Siani’s offseason journey has been anything but stable. Originally drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Siani began the winter with the St. Louis Cardinals before being designated for assignment and claimed multiple times by different organizations. 

He has now moved through the Braves, Dodgers, Yankees, and back to Los Angeles in a matter of months, highlighting how frequently teams view him as a useful depth option.

With pitchers and catchers scheduled to report soon, Siani may finally have an opportunity to stick on a roster. Once spring training begins, teams can shift injured players to the 60-day injured list, potentially opening additional roster flexibility. The Dodgers could require such a move depending on the health status of reliever Brock Stewart, which may buy Siani some time on the 40-man roster.

Offensively, Siani has struggled to establish himself at the major league level. Across parts of four seasons, he owns a .221/.277/.270 slash line, production that has limited his opportunities. However, his value comes in other areas.

Siani has earned strong defensive reviews in the outfield, particularly in center field, where advanced metrics have consistently rated him as an above-average defender. He also brings speed, having converted 21 of 26 stolen base attempts in his big league career.

One key factor that keeps Siani in demand is his remaining minor league option. That flexibility allows teams to stash him in Triple-A while maintaining reliable defensive depth, making him a logical fourth or fifth outfielder on a contending roster.

Ibáñez, meanwhile, finds himself in an unusual situation after being designated for assignment shortly after signing. The 32-year-old is out of minor league options, which made his roster spot tenuous from the start. 

While his overall offensive numbers are modest, Ibáñez has historically hit left-handed pitching well and offers defensive versatility across the infield and left field. 

If he clears waivers, he is expected to accept a minor league assignment, allowing the Dodgers to retain him as depth without losing his guaranteed salary.