Cuban infielder Andy Ibáñez is continuing his push back to Major League Baseball by showcasing his power with the Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, following a turbulent 2026 season that has included stints across multiple organizations.
Power Display in Triple-A
According to social media reports from Pelota Cubana, Andy Ibáñez hit his first home run for the Tacoma Rainiers during a 15-11 victory over the Sacramento River Cats. Entering the game as a substitute, the 33-year-old infielder finished the contest with one hit in two at-bats, scoring a run and driving in two. The defining moment arrived in the top of the eighth inning with a runner aboard, when Ibáñez drove a 91.8 mph sinker over the left-center field fence. Statcast metrics noted the ball left his bat at 99.6 mph and traveled 394 feet, extending Tacoma’s lead to 13-10.
That blast marked his sixth home run of the season in the Minor Leagues, pushing his RBI total to 25 within the developmental circuit. In his first five games with Tacoma, the veteran infielder has batted .188 with two doubles, one home run, and three RBIs.
A Turbulent 2026 Campaign Across Organizations
The journey to Seattle’s Triple-A affiliate has been defined by constant movement for the native of Havana, Cuba. The Mariners signed Ibáñez to a Minor League contract on August 18, assigning him to Tacoma the same day. That transaction came just five days after the New York Mets released him on August 13.
During his time in the Major Leagues with New York earlier in the year, Ibáñez struggled to find traction, managing only two hits in 23 at-bats for an .087 average across 14 games. However, he found significantly more success within the Mets’ system at Triple-A Syracuse, where he batted .299 with four home runs and 21 RBIs across 137 at-bats.
His year began with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who signed him in January before designating him for assignment weeks later. The Mets subsequently claimed him off waivers on April 30.
Major League Experience and Winter League Commitments
Over six seasons of Major League Baseball experience, Ibáñez has suited up for the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Athletics, and Mets. He maintains a career MLB batting average near .250, accompanied by 28 home runs and more than 128 RBIs. His most productive Major League campaign came in 2021 with Texas, where he posted a .277 average with seven home runs and 25 RBIs in 76 games. Prior to joining the Dodgers, he spent three seasons with the Detroit Tigers, batting .251 with 20 home runs and 94 RBIs across 304 games before his release in November 2025.
Beyond his immediate Major League ambitions, Ibáñez has already secured his offseason plans. He has committed to playing in the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) for the 2026-2027 season, joining the Leones del Escogido when the league commences on October 16.
What Comes Next
Ibáñez and the Tacoma Rainiers continue their Triple-A schedule as the veteran infielder looks to build on his recent power surge and prove his readiness for another Major League call-up before the conclusion of the 2026 domestic campaign.
Worth a look
