The Los Angeles Dodgers made a strategic move this offseason by signing Santiago Espinal to a minor-league deal, a decision influenced by Tommy Edman’s injury, which sidelines him for the start of the season. Espinal, once an All-Star known for his defensive prowess across multiple infield positions, has struggled at the plate in recent years.
At 31, Espinal is still in his physical prime, yet his offensive stats have dipped, evidenced by a 68 OPS+ over his last two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. With a batting line of .245/.294/.322, including nine homers and 61 RBIs, his performance has been below replacement level, contributing to a -1.8 bWAR during that period.
Despite these challenges, Espinal’s versatility-covering third base, second base, and shortstop-could be his ticket to making the Dodgers' Opening Day roster. His ability to adapt and cover multiple positions is a valuable asset, especially for a team that appreciates utility players.
Espinal expressed his excitement about joining the Dodgers, saying, “It’s pretty amazing, that’s what it’s all about. You’ve got to compete every day when you come here. Whether it’s hitting or fielding, you’ve got to compete, and this is what it’s all about.”
Early signs in spring training are promising. In his debut game, Espinal recorded a hit, an RBI, and drew two walks, showcasing the kind of offensive potential the Dodgers are hoping to see more of.
Espinal’s best days with the Blue Jays were marked by his contact hitting, though he lacked significant home-run power. Still, his ability to keep the offense moving was a notable strength.
As he competes for a spot at second base, Espinal faces competition from young talents like Alex Freeland and Hyeseong Kim. Both bring their own versatility, but Espinal’s veteran presence and experience could give him an edge, aligning with the Dodgers’ appreciation for seasoned utility players under Andrew Friedman’s leadership.
If Espinal continues to show offensive improvement during spring training, the Dodgers might keep him around, at least until Edman returns. This scenario could see Espinal either securing a longer stay in Los Angeles or catching the eye of another team, all while contributing to the Dodgers’ pursuit of a three-peat.