The Dodgers are adding Santiago Espinal on a minor league deal, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Espinal is in big-league camp with the team. The veteran infielder is a client of Rimas Sports Agency.
The Espinal news comes on the heels of the announcement that Tommy Edman will begin the year on the IL, which manager Dave Roberts shared with reporters (including Ardaya) this morning. Edman is coming off ankle surgery and was known to be taking a gradual approach to building up for the regular season.
Roberts mentioned Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland, and Hyeseong Kim as candidates to pick up work at second base (relayed by Sonja Chen of MLB.com). Espinal could join that mix if he makes the team.
The 31-year-old Espinal struggled mightily with the Reds last season. He posted a 58 wRC+ while spending time at all four infield positions, plus both corner outfield spots. Espinal, never known for his power, amassed 328 plate appearances without a home run. Cincinnati sent Espinal outright to Triple-A Louisville at the end of October. He rejected the assignment and entered free agency.
After a brief debut with Toronto in the shortened 2020 season, Espinal became an important part of the Blue Jays’ lineup in 2021. He slashed .311/.376/.405 in 92 games as Toronto’s semi-regular third baseman. Espinal slid over to second base the following year, delivering a perfectly league-average 100 wRC+ in a career-high 135 games.
Espinal’s production tailed off in 2023. His OPS fell to .644 in a utility role. Toronto traded him to Cincinnati for right-hander Chris McElvain shortly before the 2024 campaign. He added both corner outfield spots and first base to his lengthy list of defensive positions while with the Reds, but his tenure with the team was otherwise forgettable.
The main draw for Espinal is the ability to provide credible defense in several areas. He hasn’t been a plus-defender in terms of Defensive Runs Saved in recent seasons, but he’s kept his head above water in both the infield and outfield. Outs Above Average had Espinal as a +2 in 2025.
Photo courtesy of Katie Stratman, Imagn Images
They’re ruining baseball with their 105 wins every year and beating everyone. Oh wait, they’re Nottheyankees, never mind. Go Dodgers!
It wasn’t that long ago when the angels outbid lad for rendon.
Big win for lad..
His numbers have been pretty bad as of late, but minor league depth is always needed.
I’m just glad Tito won’t be tempted to put him in the lineup anymore.
Honestly he’s cooked, Dodgers are just filling in the minor league depth.
He’s depth for the depth.
I wonder if all parties agreed to defer a portion of his minor league salary to get the deal done?
How original.
Thanks! I thought of it myself!
Of course you did.
Zac Gallen deferred his contract is he on the Dodgers ?
Yes.
The Dodgers are ruining MiLB.
LOL
Espinal was one of the worst hitters in all baseball last season.
@raul
Well then there go the Dodgers 3- peat chances.
Espinal ruining Dodgers baseball.
Great signing. This guy should have had a full time opportunity a long time ago.
A minor league signing of a 31 year old that plays all 3 skilled infield positions and was an all star 3 years ago. Sounds like an obvious, no risk, move to me. He’s a longshot to make the team. But, I wish him well.
Congrats Dodgers on your 100th guy in camp.
Like the Championship Trophy Toronto rejected?
I think you meant love rej3cting Blue Jays from their championship dreams.
They replaced Andy Ibanez with Andy Ibanez…
The difference is that the one who was replaced has a diacritic mark above the “n” and an accent on the “a” of his last name. Ibáñez.
I really liked Espy when he was a Blue Jay and was saddened when he was traded. I wish him all the best with the Dodgers and hope he has a bounce back season.