Andy Ibanez

Ibanez had some good moments in 2023 for a Detroit team that needed a jolt on offense. The 30-year-old saw his most sustained run at the MLB level, batting .264 with a .745 OPS and 11 home runs across 114 games. By comparison, he came into the year with only 116 games under his belt across two seasons with Texas, and he had just eight career home runs. Ibanez's versatility helped him stay on the field, as he appeared at first, second and third base for the Tigers, as well as the corner outfield spots. Ibanez didn't walk a ton but he only struck out 18 percent of the time to go along with a solid 35% hard-hit rate. Heading into 2024, there are signs of optimism regarding the veteran's offensive game, and he figures to see a similar utility man role, which should allow him to get plenty of at-bats. If Ibanez can build on the strides he took last year, he could be primed for a solid 2024. He may not be on the radar in shallower leagues, though he could be worth keeping an eye on in deeper formats.

Following a strong second half in 2021, Ibanez was an everyday player for the Rangers for the first two months of 2022, splitting time between third base and designated hitter. He was unable to keep the momentum going, posting an anemic .218/.273/.277 batting line in 40 games before being sent down to the minors for good in early June. Ibanez was claimed off waivers by the Tigers over the offseason but then outrighted off their 40-man roster. He could conceivably win a utility job with a Detroit team lacking great options, but the odds are heavily against it leading to any fantasy relevance.

Ibanez made his major-league debut in 2021 and slashed .277/.321/.435 with seven homers, 31 runs and 25 RBI in 76 games. He does not have exciting tools but has some power and draws walks at a decent clip. He'll compete for the starting third base job this spring despite playing there infrequently last season. His upside may be capped by his age (turns 29 this season).

The 23-year-old second baseman predictably started the season off on a tear against Low-A pitching, which was no match for the mature Cuban defector. Ibanez slashed .324/.413/.546 in 49 games at that level with 26 extra-base hits and 10 stolen bases (on 18 attempts). He also had more walks (29) than strikeouts (28). The Rangers decided to aggressively promote Ibanez to Double-A, where he registered more pedestrian numbers for the remainder of the season. Ibanez hit .261 with six home runs, 31 RBI and five steals in 81 games for Double-A Frisco. He does not have exciting tools, profiling as a guy who could offer Asdrubal Cabrera-level production at second base, except he is in an organization where that position won't be open anytime soon. Second base prospects are tough to own in dynasty leagues, as they have nowhere to move down the defensive spectrum where their bats would still play. Given Ibanez's age, organization and lack of impact tools, he is simply a candidate for watch lists in leagues where 200 or fewer prospects are rostered.

Ibanez was one of the top young players in Cuba before defecting last summer and will seek to sign with a MLB team. He was the youngest player on Cuba's 2013 World Baseball Classic roster. He was seen as one of Cuba's top infield gloves and hit .267/.377/.435 with more walks than strikeouts for Isla De La Juventud in the Serie Nacional, Cuba's top professional league, according to Baseball America. He may need to spend time in the minors once signed, but he'll be a top infield prospect wherever he lands.