After beginning his career with a standout stint in Toronto, a former Blue Jays infielder has cut ties with a National League powerhouse and then returned to the American League.
Santiago Espinal’s time with the Los Angeles Dodgers proved to be brief, but it was productive enough to remind clubs that the former All-Star can still provide value as a versatile utility infielder.
Now, only a couple of weeks after his departure from the Dodgers, Espinal could get his next big-league opportunity in the American League West after signing with the Texas Rangers.
Texas Rangers Add Former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star After Los Angeles Dodgers Exit
The Texas Rangers signed Espinal to a minor league contract just a few weeks after the Dodgers outrighted him to the minors.
“Espinal elected free agency from the Dodgers in mid-June after refusing an outright assignment to Triple-A Oklahoma City,” David Shovein explained for NBC Sports. “The 31-year-old hit .268 (15-for-56) with one home run and seven RBI in 31 games during his time with the Dodgers. He’ll add quality infield depth for the Rangers and should get an opportunity with the big league club in relatively short order.”
That opportunity will come after Espinal enjoyed an impressive stint with the Dodgers, but was pushed off the roster as one of the team’s key players returned from an injury and forced the front office’s hand.
“The Dodgers designated Espinal for assignment June 16 as Los Angeles got Tommy Edman back healthy from an ankle injury,” CBS Sports reported. “Espinal, in his final month of play for the Dodgers from May 13 to June 13, slashed .375/.385/.542 with a home run and five RBI across 16 games. He may find more opportunities with the Rangers than he did with the Dodgers.”
Former Blue Jays Standout Looking For Another MLB Opportunity
Espinal’s best seasons came with the Blue Jays, where his defensive versatility and contact skills helped earn him an American League All-Star selection in 2022.
“A glove-first infielder, Espinal impressed the Dodgers on a non-roster invite to Spring Training,” Anthony Franco wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “He hit .268 in 36 games this year but only walked once and recorded four extra-base hits. Espinal had a couple league average offensive seasons with the Blue Jays from 2021-22. He’s a .247/.296/.328 hitter in more than 1,000 trips to the plate over the past four seasons.”
While Espinal’s offensive ceiling has remained modest, his ability to play multiple infield positions has kept him valuable throughout his career. That versatility could be especially useful for a Rangers club looking to strengthen its organizational depth during the second half of the season.