The Los Angeles Dodgers shuffled their 40-man roster by designating Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment, clearing space to finalize the signing of infielder Andy Ibáñez.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Dodgers announced they have designated Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment, a procedural move that opens a spot on the 40-man roster following the club’s official signing of infielder Andy Ibáñez. Fitzgerald’s time with the Dodgers was short-lived, as he had only been claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins the previous week.
The Dodgers have officially announced their one-year, $1.2 million signing of infielder Andy Ibáñez
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) January 13, 2026
To make room on the 40-man, Ryan Fitzgerald (who was claimed off waivers the same day Ibáñez agreed to his deal last week) was DFA’d
At 32 years old, Fitzgerald represents a classic late-bloomer story. After spending years grinding through independent leagues and the minor league system, he finally earned his first opportunity in the majors with Minnesota during the 2025 season. While his big league sample size was limited, he made the most of his chance to show off his versatility and athleticism.
Fitzgerald appeared in 24 games for the Twins, logging 53 plate appearances and posting a .196 batting average with a .302 on-base percentage and a .457 slugging percentage. Though the overall average was modest, he flashed some pop and demonstrated value as a flexible defender, seeing time at all four infield positions. Statcast metrics also highlighted his athletic profile, with sprint speed ranking in the 79th percentile.
His production was more consistent at the Triple-A level, where he logged 245 plate appearances and turned in a .277/.367/.469 slash line. That performance, paired with his ability to move around the diamond, was enough for the Dodgers to take a chance on him while they had temporary roster flexibility. Once Ibáñez was added, however, Fitzgerald became the odd man out.
The designation for assignment does not necessarily spell the end of Fitzgerald’s time in the organization. Because he has less than three years of major league service time and has not previously been outrighted, he would not have the right to elect free agency if he clears waivers. The Dodgers now have up to five days to trade him or place him on waivers.
Given his defensive versatility, Fitzgerald could appeal to teams seeking affordable depth heading into spring training. If no club makes a claim, the Dodgers would be able to retain him as non-roster depth, providing organizational coverage across multiple positions as the 2026 season approaches.
Category: General Sports
