Cuban utility player Andy Ibáñez has signed a Minor League contract with the Seattle Mariners, as reported by journalist Francys Romero on Sunday. This new deal presents a fresh chance for the 33-year-old athlete following his release from the New York Mets organization.
Before his release, Ibáñez was part of the Syracuse Mets, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, where he achieved a batting average of .269, hit four home runs, and drove in 18 runs over 31 games. He became a free agent on August 13.
Ibáñez's stint with the New York team began on April 30 when the Mets claimed him off waivers from the Athletics and added him to their 26-man active roster, as he had no minor league options left.
However, on May 12, the Mets designated him for assignment, removing him from their 40-man roster and sending him back to Syracuse. Throughout his Major League appearances in 2026 with both the Athletics and the Mets, he managed just 23 at-bats, a .087 average, two hits, and five RBIs.
Ibáñez's Eventful Year of Team Changes
This year has been particularly turbulent for Ibáñez in terms of roster changes. In January, he signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Dodgers, but Los Angeles designated him for assignment in February to make room for Michael Siani. Since then, he has been part of four different organizations.
With the Mariners, the infielder is expected to join the Tacoma Rainiers, Seattle's Triple-A affiliate, as per the current information about the agreement.
Ibáñez's Journey from Cuba to MLB
Born in Havana on April 3, 1993, Ibáñez left Cuba in November 2014 and signed with the Texas Rangers in July 2015. He made his Major League debut on April 28, 2021, becoming the 219th Cuban to reach MLB.
After stints with the Rangers and the Detroit Tigers, who did not renew his contract in November 2025, the veteran player has accumulated over 431 MLB games, with a .252 average, 28 home runs, and more than 130 RBIs.
His profile as a versatile utility infielder, with experience at both second and third base and frequent use as a pinch hitter, is exactly the kind of flexibility teams seek to fill out their minor league rosters with call-up options.
With this new contract, Ibáñez aims to prove in Tacoma that he still possesses the skills necessary to return to the Major Leagues and continue a career that has already spanned over five years at the top level of baseball.
Key Questions about Andy Ibáñez's Career Move
What are Andy Ibáñez's career highlights in MLB?
Andy Ibáñez has played in over 431 Major League games, boasting a .252 batting average, 28 home runs, and more than 130 RBIs.
Why did the Seattle Mariners sign Andy Ibáñez?
The Mariners signed Andy Ibáñez for his versatility as a utility infielder, with experience at second and third base, providing them with valuable depth for their minor league roster.
How has Andy Ibáñez's career been affected by roster changes in 2023?
In 2023, Ibáñez experienced multiple team changes, starting with a signing by the Dodgers, followed by assignments to four different organizations, highlighting a year of significant movement in his career.