Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Andy Ibáñez

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Andy Ibáñez made an impact.

Andy Ibáñez Velázquez is a Cuban professional baseball infielder currently playing for the Detroit Tigers in MLB. Previously, he played for the Texas Rangers. His career focuses on his role as an infielder in Major League Baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Plays in World Baseball Classic

In 2013, Ibáñez played for the Cuba national baseball team at the World Baseball Classic.

November 1, 2014: Defection from Cuba

On November 1, 2014, Ibáñez defected from Cuba to pursue a career in Major League Baseball.

July 7, 2015: Signs with Texas Rangers

On July 7, 2015, Ibáñez signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.

2016: Professional Debut

In 2016, Ibáñez made his professional debut, playing for the Hickory Crawdads and Frisco RoughRiders, achieving a combined batting average of .285 with 13 home runs and 66 RBIs.

2017: Season with Frisco RoughRiders

In 2017, Ibáñez spent the entire season with the Frisco RoughRiders, achieving a batting average of .265 with 8 home runs and 29 RBIs, but missed six weeks due to a finger injury.

2018: Season with Round Rock Express

In 2018, Ibáñez played with the Round Rock Express, achieving a batting line of .283/.344/.410/.754 with 12 home runs and 55 RBI. He also played for the Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League during the offseason.

2019: Spring Training Injury and Season with Nashville Sounds

In 2019, Ibáñez suffered a strained right oblique during spring training, later returning to play for the Nashville Sounds, where he hit .300/.371/.497/.868 with 20 home runs and 65 RBI.

May 4, 2021: MLB Debut

On May 4, 2021, the Rangers selected Ibáñez's contract and promoted him to the major leagues. He made his debut as a pinch hitter and got his first MLB hit.

November 10, 2022: Claimed by Detroit Tigers

On November 10, 2022, Ibáñez was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers.

2022: Split Season Between Texas and Round Rock

Ibáñez split the 2022 season between Texas and Round Rock, achieving different batting statistics for each team.

January 6, 2023: Removed from 40-Man Roster

On January 6, 2023, Ibáñez was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.

August 22, 2023: First Multi-Homer Game

On August 22, 2023, Ibáñez had the first multi-homer game of his career, hitting two home runs off Chicago Cubs starter Drew Smyly.

October 2, 2024: Game-Winning Hit in Wild Card Series

On October 2, 2024, Ibáñez hit a pinch-hit 3-run double in Game 2 of the Wild Card series against the Houston Astros, leading the Tigers to a series sweep.