Cuban infielder Andy Ibáñez is gearing up to showcase his talents with the Leones del Escogido for the upcoming 2026-2027 season of the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM), as reported by sports journalist Francys Romero.
The 33-year-old baseball player from Havana joins the lion pride at a pivotal moment in his quest to reclaim a spot in Major League Baseball. The year 2026 was a whirlwind for Ibáñez, marked by brief stints with various North American baseball organizations.
Beginning the season with the Los Angeles Dodgers under a one-year, $1.2 million contract, Ibáñez was designated for assignment in February. The Oakland Athletics picked him up off waivers, followed by the New York Mets in late April. During his time with the Mets' Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse, he posted a .269 batting average with four home runs and 18 RBIs over 31 games before being released on August 13.
Just four days later, Ibáñez inked a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners and was assigned to their Triple-A team in Tacoma. Across the minor leagues in 2026, the infielder compiled a .309 average, hit five home runs, and knocked in 23 runs.
The arrangement with Escogido allows Ibáñez to remain active and competitive while he continues to aim for a return to the majors with the Mariners. The LIDOM season kicks off on October 16, with the Leones facing off against Licey in their opening game.
Ibáñez joins a team fresh off a championship victory: the Leones del Escogido secured their 18th title on January 27, 2026, by defeating the Toros del Este, reinforcing their status as one of the most successful teams in Latin American winter baseball.
Born in Havana on April 3, 1993, Ibáñez left Cuba in November 2014 and signed with the Texas Rangers in July 2015 after several years in independent baseball. He made his MLB debut on April 28, 2021, becoming the 219th Cuban to play in the big leagues.
His major league career included two seasons with Texas and three with the Detroit Tigers, where he enjoyed his best year in 2023, hitting .264 with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs. Overall, he has a .250 career average, 28 home runs, and over 130 RBIs in the majors.
At the start of 2026, Ibáñez was named to Cuba's 35-player preliminary roster for the VI World Baseball Classic. However, according to media reports, he opted not to participate with the national team.
With the deal finalized, as noted by Romero, the Dominican league will serve as a prime platform for Ibáñez to prove he still possesses major league skills and push for a call-up from the Mariners before the regular season concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Andy Ibáñez's Winter League Move
What team will Andy Ibáñez play for in the Dominican Winter League?
Andy Ibáñez will play for the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League for the 2026-2027 season.
Why is Andy Ibáñez playing in the Dominican Winter League?
Playing in the Dominican Winter League allows Andy Ibáñez to stay active and showcase his skills, keeping him competitive and increasing his chances of returning to Major League Baseball with the Seattle Mariners.
How did Andy Ibáñez perform in the 2026 minor league season?
In the 2026 minor league season, Andy Ibáñez recorded a .309 batting average, hit five home runs, and drove in 23 runs.