Dodgers Add Infield Insurance with Santiago Espinal Signing
The Los Angeles Dodgers are proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities in their infield, reportedly agreeing to a minor-league contract with veteran Santiago Espinal. This news was first reported by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, as the team navigates early challenges during spring training. Espinal is expected to participate in major league camp and contend for a spot on the roster, providing additional depth as the Dodgers evaluate their options.
This acquisition arrives on the heels of an announcement from manager Dave Roberts regarding Tommy Edman’s anticipated start to the season. Edman is projected to begin the regular season on the Injured List as he continues his rehabilitation from ankle surgery. Roberts previously highlighted Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland, and Hyeseong Kim as players who would compete for playing time at second base in Edman’s absence.
Addressing Second Base Competition & Depth
Espinal’s arrival immediately injects another experienced player into the second base equation. The 31-year-old brings a track record of positional versatility, which is highly valued by the Dodgers’ coaching staff. While the team assesses the performance of their current infielders throughout camp, Espinal will have the opportunity to demonstrate his value and potentially earn a role on the active roster.
The veteran infielder experienced a challenging 2025 campaign with the Cincinnati Reds, appearing in 328 plate appearances without registering a home run. His offensive statistics were notably below average, despite seeing action at every infield position and both corner outfield spots. Prior to becoming a free agent, Cincinnati outrighted him to Triple-A Louisville in October, an assignment he declined.
Espinal’s Career Trajectory & Defensive Profile
Earlier in his career, Santiago Espinal established himself as a valuable contributor with the Toronto Blue Jays. He debuted during the 2020 season and quickly became a regular in 2021, achieving a batting average exceeding .300 across 92 games, primarily playing third base. He transitioned to second base in 2022, enjoying a career-best 135 games and delivering production close to the league average.
Despite a decline in offensive performance in 2023, which ultimately led to his trade to Cincinnati before the 2024 season, Espinal remains a capable defender. While advanced metrics don’t categorize him as an elite fielder, he consistently provides reliable play at multiple positions and recorded a slightly above-average mark in Outs Above Average last season. This signing represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Dodgers to bolster their infield depth.
