PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 5: Toronto Blue Jays infielder Santiago Espinal #5 watches the action during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on May 5, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Blue Jays have watched a number of important contributors from their recent postseason-era rosters depart over the past few years.
As the club has continued reshaping its roster around franchise cornerstone Vladimir Guerrero Jr., familiar names such as Bo Bichette have carried on elsewhere across Major League Baseball.
Santiago Espinal remains one of the more recognizable players from that group. His unlikely climb with Toronto peaked with an All-Star selection in 2022, but since leaving the Blue Jays, he has moved between organizations while trying to secure a lasting role as a multi-position utility infielder.
The former Blue Jays All-Star is now back on the open market after an unexpected roster decision in Los Angeles brought his second stint with the Dodgers this season to an end.
Former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Cuts Ties With Los Angeles Dodgers
MLB Trade Rumors’ Anthony Franco reported that Santiago Espinal cleared waivers and elected free agency after the Dodgers designated the veteran infielder for assignment Tuesday, a move made when Tommy Edman returned from injury.
The move came as a bit of a surprise after Espinal enjoyed a strong preseason to make the team and continued that momentum during his big-league opportunities.
“A glove-first infielder, Espinal impressed the Dodgers on a non-roster invite to Spring Training,” Franco added. “He hit .268 in 36 games this year but only walked once and recorded four extra-base hits.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Change Pushes Former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Out
The latest demotion has now ended a second stint for Espinal with the Dodgers this year, as he was previously outrighted by the team to make room for Kike Hernandez and then reunited with it before this latest cut.
“Espinal, 31, had been released by the team in late May, but he re-signed to a minor-league deal the following day,” TSN reported. “Originally drafted in 2016 out of Miami Dade College, Espinal spent the past two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. He was an All-Star in 2022 with the Blue Jays with whom he spent the first four seasons of his career.”
That quick reunion earlier in the year suggested the Dodgers still valued the organizational depth provided by Espinal, but Edman’s return from the injured list ultimately changed the roster equation.
Now a free agent once again, the veteran infielder could draw interest from clubs seeking defensive versatility and experience. His ability to play multiple infield positions has helped him remain a valuable depth option throughout his career.
And for Blue Jays fans, the move serves as another reminder of how quickly careers can change. Just a few years removed from representing Toronto at the All-Star Game, Espinal is once again looking for a new major-league home.
