The Los Angeles Dodgers, like all other 29 MLB teams, are gearing up for a new season, as MLB’s Opening Day is just over a week away. On Wednesday, Los Angeles got a step closer to finalizing the roster, which included Dave Roberts announcing that the Dodgers are selecting the contract of Santiago Espinal, who will be on the team’s 40-man roster. No corresponding move is necessary, but Roberts has indicated on several occasions that Espinal has fit in tremendously with the club.
Espinal made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020 and has spent the last two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. Santiago Espinal was an All-Star in 2022 with the Blue Jays.
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Dodgers Select Santiago Espinal’s Contract
GettyThe Dodgers have signed Santiago Espinal in free agency after receiving a bad injury update on Tommy Edman
LA signed Espinal to a minor league contract at the beginning of spring training, and he’s hit exceptionally well in the opportunities the Dodgers have given him.
He has two home runs and 13 RBI in Cactus League play and has excelled in the field. With the injury to Tommy Edman, Espinal may be able to make an immediate impact for the Dodgers as soon as Opening Day.
However, spring training stats always have to come with a grain of salt. In 2025, Espinal posted a bWAR of -1.4 and hit just .243 with 0 home runs in 301 at-bats. In 2024, he at least showed a little bit of power upside with the Reds, hitting nine home runs and driving in 45 runs over 118 games.
He’s far removed from his 2022 All-Star campaign, where Espinal had 32 extra-base hits and hit .267. Espinal’s glove is likely what earned him this 40-man roster spot, but if given a chance with the Dodgers in 2026, he will have to do a little bit more than just field, or else a guy like Miguel Rojas will eat up the presumably vacant second base spot.
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What Will Espinal’s Role with Dodgers Be?
The Dodgers, unlike most other MLB teams, play the long game with their roster, as they prepare to be fully healthy for October.
With an older roster filled with players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy on the infield, it’s plausible that Espinal can be a solid spot start candidate for Dave Roberts as the season progresses, and especially if Edman has to miss more than a month.
At least for now, the second base spot seems vacant with Edman and Kike Hernandez set to open the year on the IL, but as mentioned, Espinal will have to produce with the bat if he wants to keep that spot.
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