Abdiel Layer joins Siouxland after spending 2024 with the Milwaukee Milkmen in the American Association, where he hit .233 with 10 home runs and 35 RBI in 69 games. The 26-year-old infielder played 40 games at shortstop, 30 at third base, and one at second base, finishing with a .938 fielding percentage and 12 stolen bases. Layer has also played winter ball in Puerto Rico, hitting .241 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 39 games for San Juan.

Layer spent five seasons with the San Francisco Giants organization after being drafted in the 40th round in 2018. He played 84 games for San Jose in 2021, hitting .212 with 13 home runs and 46 RBI. In 2019, he hit .292 with five home runs and 30 RBI for the Giants' rookie-level team.

Layer played one season at Miami Dade College, hitting .265 with eight home runs and 48 RBI. He was initially drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017 but chose to attend college. Over his career, Layer has played 385 games professionally, hitting .251 with 45 home runs, 201 RBI, and 55 stolen bases.

The Explorers acquired Layer in exchange for outfielder Scott Ota on January 21, 2025.