Dodgers’ Roster Changes Near the Start of the Season

This winter, the Dodgers have been grappling with a 40-man roster shortage.

Friday marked a significant shift in the team’s lineup.

Recently, free agent infielder Andy Ibáñez was placed on waivers by the Athletics after being designated for assignment earlier this week. The Dodgers quickly responded by claiming catcher Ben Rotvedt from the Reds, which led to the designation of reliever Anthony Banda for assignment.

This move clarifies the direction for the Dodgers as they prepare for the upcoming season next month.

Importantly, two players anticipated to contribute to a potential second consecutive World Series title seem to be on their way out, while a surprising player from last season’s playoff run is making a return.

Ibáñez had signed a $1.2 million deal with the Dodgers just three weeks ago, meant to bolster the infield, especially considering second baseman Tommy Edman’s uncertain status for Opening Day due to offseason ankle surgery.

However, with the team acquiring outfielder Michael Ciani from the Yankees, Ibáñez became a DFA (designated for assignment) this week.

Had they kept Ibáñez, perhaps the Dodgers envisioned him as a minor league option. Unfortunately, the Athletics accepted his contract, leading to his exit before he even stepped onto the field with the Dodgers.

Earlier this winter, a similar move was attempted with Rotvedt, who had been acquired at last year’s trade deadline and was relied upon during the playoffs while Will Smith recovered from injury.

In November, the Dodgers quietly reached a $1.25 million agreement with Rotvedt, only to DFA him, hoping to keep him under their wing. Instead, the Reds picked him up, leaving the team’s backup catcher situation in a bit of a pinch.

Now, with the Reds waiving Rotvedt to clear space for free agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez, the Dodgers seized the opportunity to bring him back and strengthen their catching depth, particularly since he had been a dependable player during the playoffs.

The Dodgers’ 40-man roster is currently at capacity, so bringing back Rotvedt meant they needed to part ways with someone else. Banda, a left-handed reliever who has contributed reliably to the bullpen over the past couple of seasons, found himself designated for assignment amidst tough competition for a spot this spring.

The team’s left-handed relief core is quite robust, with Alex Bashear, Tanner Scott, Jack Dryer, and Justin Robleski returning from last year, alongside new addition Ronan Kopp added earlier this offseason.

Consequently, the organization viewed Banda as a potential trade candidate this winter. They now have a week to secure a trade partner before having to put him on waivers, reminiscent of their last offseason when they dealt Ryan Brazier after he was DFA’d.

Of course, the Dodgers could opt to keep Banda, who is signed for $1.625 million this season, and try to sneak him off waivers again, like they did with Rotvedt and Ibáñez. However, it appears challenging that he’d go unclaimed, and with spring training on the horizon, finding a place for Banda on this ever-evolving roster seems increasingly unlikely.