26-YEAR-OLD DEFENSIVE OUTFIELDER SCOOPED AMID HIGH-STAKES TRADE TALK
LOS ANGELES, CA—Amid the deafening roar of rumors linking the Dodgers to blockbuster trades for pitching ace Tarik Skubal and star free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, the reigning World Series champions made a quiet, calculated move: claiming 26-year-old outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Atlanta Braves.
While the move might seem minor for a franchise pursuing the biggest names in baseball, the timing, cap space implications, and current roster crunch instantly set the rumor mill and fan frenzy into overdrive.
THE CLAIM: MICHAEL SIANI
The Dodgers snagged the lefty-swinging and lefty-throwing center fielder just days after the Braves had designated him for assignment. Siani is primarily known as a defense-first player, utilizing his elite speed and glove to patrol center field.
- 2024 Performance (Cardinals): Siani’s most extensive MLB action came in 2024, where he played in 124 games, stole 20 bases, and hit .228.
- The Cost: As a waiver claim, Siani comes at the absolute minimum cost, utilizing a 40-man roster spot but requiring no financial commitment that impacts the Dodgers’ massive payroll flexibility.
THE CALCULATED FALLOUT
The move is classic Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, providing inexpensive, controllable defensive depth while the front office pursues high-end targets. However, the move has immediate consequences:
- Teoscar Hernández Trade Signal? Siani’s addition, however minor, comes while the Dodgers are still linked to moving veteran right fielder Teoscar Hernández. Hernández struggled defensively in 2025, and moving his salary and roster spot would free up resources for a major addition. Siani’s glove makes him a far more reliable defensive bench option.
- Kyle Tucker Strategy: The move does not rule out a pursuit of Kyle Tucker. Rather, Siani provides immediate, short-term insurance and depth, allowing the Dodgers to negotiate Tucker’s potential high-AAV deal with less urgency.
- 40-Man Pressure: The Dodgers’ 40-man roster is perpetually tight. Claiming Siani means another player must be designated for assignment, keeping the roster in constant flux and signaling that no one outside the core stars is safe.
The acquisition is calculated: securing a potential defensive specialist off the bench while the organization prepares its massive financial and prospect capital for the rumored high-stakes trades that will define their push for a three-peat.
