Andy Ibáñez Finds New Home with Seattle Mariners After Detroit Stint
Former Detroit Tigers infielder Andy Ibáñez has signed a minor-league contract with the Seattle Mariners, marking the latest chapter in a career that has seen the 33-year-old utility player move between several organizations over the past year.
Beisbol FR's Francys Romero reported on X:
Sources: Utility player Andy Ibáñez has signed with the Seattle Mariners. It's a minor league deal. Ibáñez, 33, hit .269 with 4 HR and 18 RBI in 31 games with Syracuse (Triple-A) before being released by the Mets.
The move comes just days after the New York Mets designated Ibáñez for assignment, with MLB.com confirming:
Syracuse Mets released 2B Andy Ibáñez.
What led to Ibáñez's departure from the Mets?
The Mets claimed Ibáñez off waivers from the Athletics in April. New York designated him for assignment on May 12 and then outrighted him to the minors. Ibáñez has spent much of the season on the minor-league injured list.
In three games with the Mets, he went 0-for-6 with two RBI and one strikeout. He went 2-for-17 across 11 games with the Athletics earlier in the year. In 31 games for the Mets' Triple-A affiliate this year, Ibáñez hit .269/.295/.429 with four home runs, seven doubles and 18 RBI.
Andy Ibáñez's career journey so far
Ibáñez made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 2021. He had a solid rookie season, posting 1.7 bWAR and a .277/.321/.435 slash line with seven home runs, 15 doubles, two triples and 25 RBI.
After appearing in just 40 games with Texas in 2022, the Detroit Tigers claimed him off waivers from the Rangers in November 2022. The infielder had a solid run in Detroit, posting 3.8 bWAR in 304 games from 2023 to 2025.
He elected free agency after last season and signed a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers designated Ibáñez for assignment in February, allowing the Athletics to claim him.
Where do the Detroit Tigers stand right now?
The Tigers were swept by the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park this past weekend. Detroit sits one game back of the Baltimore Orioles for the final American League Wild Card spot and 5 1/2 games back of the White Sox for first place in the American League Central with a 60-64 record.
Despite being four games below .500, the Tigers have the second-best run differential in the American League at +83. The Yankees have the best at +85.
Ibáñez will now look to earn a spot with the Mariners organization, bringing his experience and versatility to a team that values steady, dependable play. His journey reflects the realities of professional sports, where perseverance and adaptability remain essential virtues.
Photo: Getty Images