Mets urged to claim $1.2M Dodgers misfit, utility defender off waivers in under-the-radar move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a busy offseason following their second consecutive World Series win. The team is in a strong position to make another deep playoff run. While the Dodgers have made big moves, they’ve also handled smaller transactions, such as letting Justin Dean go at the conclusion of the season.

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“The Dodgers outrighted Justin Dean off the 40-man roster. He was claimed by the Giants. Dean played a key role for the Dodgers as a pinch runner and defensive replacement in center field this postseason. Forever a World Series champion,” Dodgers Nation’s Noah Camras wrote.

The Dodgers don’t need to rebuild the core of their roster, as most key players remain under contract. However, LA has continued making subtle, under-the-radar subtractions.

“Infielder Andy Ibanez’s tenure with the Dodgers lasts just three weeks. Ibanez, signed to a one-year, $1.2 million contract on Jan. 13, is now DFA’d so that the Dodgers can claim OF Mike Siani. Yep, Siani is the same guy who was DFA’d by the Dodgers on Jan. 21,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.

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With Ibanez now available to be claimed by any team, the New York Mets could be interested.

“There’s no need to risk tripping over the carpet to add Ibanez. As a waiver claim, the Mets will have to wait on a few more teams to pass on him. The salary isn’t as burdensome to the Mets as it would be for other teams. They have a clear opening on the roster for him. They could even think about placing him on waivers in the future and see if he passes through. Playing these offseason games has been common for the Mets this winter,” Rising Apple’s Tim Boyle wrote.

The Mets are looking for potential depth options, hoping to find a hidden gem for a roster spot. Their infield is already strong after adding Bo Bichette, but any additional flexibility could be valuable.

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If the Mets claim Ibanez, they’ll have the freedom to decide how to use him—whether that’s giving him a chance on the field or eventually letting him go. In New York, late offseason moves like this are never out of the question.

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