In a litany of movements this week in Major League Baseball amongst Cubans, Andy Ibáñez and Víctor Mesa Jr were designated for assignment by the Dodgers and Marlins, while slugger Yanquiel Fernández that was also designated for assignment by the Rockies was claimed by the New York Yankees.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced they had designated Cuban infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment. The player had signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract on January 13. Andy Ibanez’s 2025 Season Ibanez played the 2025 season with the Detroit Tigers, posting a .239/.301/.352/.653 batting line with four home runs, 21 RBIs, and a 92 wRC+.
He spent the previous three seasons with the Detroit organization. Initially, Ibanez was committed to representing Cuba in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but he declined to participate after signing his contract. The final tournament rosters were submitted Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. With no minor league options available, it’s unlikely another team will claim him, so Ibáñez is expected to either accept a minor league assignment or become a free agent.
Also on Tuesday, the Miami Marlins announced they claimed right-handed pitcher Garrett Acton off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Marlins designated outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. for assignment. Mesa, 24, is leaving the organization after signing for $1 million as an international free agent in 2018.
In 2025, the Marlins called the outfielder made his major league debut, where in 16 games he posted a .188/.297/.344/.641 slash line with one home run, six RBIs, and an 81 wRC+. Last season in Triple-A, Mesa slashed .286/.352/.460/.813 with seven home runs, 33 RBIs, and a 121 wRC+ in 52 games. Over the past two years, the left-handed hitting Mesa has been on the injured list multiple times, limiting his opportunities and preventing him from playing regularly.
The Yankees claimed Yanquiel Fernández off waivers from the Rockies while designating recently claimed right-hander Dom Hamel for assignment. The 23-year-old power-hitting outfielder made his MLB debut in 2025, hitting .225 with a .613 OPS in 52 games with Colorado.
The native of Havana has been very productive over his minor league career, hitting .279 and posting a .813 OPS, including hitting .284 with a .849 OPS in 64 games at Triple-A last season. Primarily a right fielder, Fernández ranked as one of the top arms in the majors last season, per Baseball Savant,