After signing a utility player for $1.2 million, the Dodgers designate him for assignment; foreign media analyze the Dodgers' roster moves logic.

The Los Angeles Dodgers revealed today that they claimed outfielder Michael Siani via waivers and simultaneously designated Cuban utility player Andy Ibáñez for assignment (DFA). This action raised questions among observers: why did the Dodgers remove Ibáñez, who recently signed a guaranteed deal, from the 40-man roster? MLB Trade Rumors provided an analysis of this decision.

On December 12 last year, the Dodgers signed Siani, who had just been DFA’d by the St. Louis Cardinals and spent most of last season in the minors, adding him to their 40-man roster. In mid-January this year, after signing Ibáñez to a one-year, $1.2 million major league contract, the team designated Siani for assignment; he was then claimed by the New York Yankees and added to their 40-man roster.

After acquiring young Colorado Rockies pitcher Angel Chivilli via trade late last month, the Yankees decided to designate Siani for assignment again, marking the third time he has been DFA’d this offseason. Meanwhile, the Dodgers today chose to reclaim Siani and designate Ibáñez for assignment.

Although Siani has four years of major league experience, his hitting has been underwhelming, with a career batting average of .221 and a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of just 58. However, his outfield defense and baserunning are highly rated, boasting a major league stolen base success rate above 80%, an expected outfield assists (OAA) of +16 according to Statcast, and a defensive runs saved (DRS) of +7.

Regarding why the Dodgers removed Ibáñez, who just signed a guaranteed contract, from the 40-man roster, MLB Trade Rumors points out that since he has no minor league options left and his salary is relatively low, he is considered a flexible roster move. Given his pay exceeds the league minimum and most teams’ rosters are nearly full, other clubs may be reluctant to claim him.

If Ibáñez clears waivers, he can theoretically reject a minor league assignment and become a free agent, but that would mean forfeiting his $1.2 million salary; therefore, it is almost certain he will accept the minor league assignment.