Los Angeles Dodgers utility infielder Santiago Espinal had nothing but good things to say about the experience in the Dodgers’ clubhouse.
The Dodgers signed Espinal to a minor league deal Monday, and he hasn’t wasted any time in getting to know his new teammates.
“They’re hungry,” Espinal said. “As soon as I got here, being around players who have 10 plus years in the league, eight-plus years in the league, for me it’s amazing to have the opportunity to talk to them and pick their brains. It’s been amazing so far this spring training.”
Espinal has entered the conversation for L.A.’s vacancy at second base already, as Tommy Edman — the Dodgers’ everyday second baseman in 2025 — is still recovering from offseason surgery on his ankle. The infielder has played six MLB seasons, and made an All-Star team with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022.
What Does Santiago Espinal Bring to the Dodgers?
The 31-year-old has survived in MLB as a contact hitter, whiffing and striking out less than almost everyone in MLB. He also exhibited some solid defensive numbers early on in his career, but hovered around league average with the glove in 2025.
While he doesn’t have any trouble hitting for contact, Espinal has found issue with making meaningful offensive contributions over the past couple of seasons.
He played 114 games with the Cincinnati Reds in 2025, recording a career-low .575 OPS with a meager .243/.292/.282 slash line. He logged 328 plate appearances last year, but didn’t manage a single home run.
Espinal is a career .261 hitter and has a .665 OPS through 578 MLB appearances.
His best stretch in the majors came from 2021-22, when he recorded nine home runs and 68 RBIs. He maintained a 104 OPS+ over the course of those two seasons, and made his sole All-Star appearance.
While perhaps not the best option, injuries to key utility players like Edman and Kiké Hernandez have hindered their infield depth and opened the door to options previously unexplored. Espinal has the remainder of the spring to break into the roster as he looks to support the Dodgers in their campaign for a three-peat.
Do you want Santiago Espinal on the Opening Day roster?
