PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 5: Santiago Espinal #5 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on during the 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 seen several key contributors from their recent playoff-era teams move on in recent years.
As the organization has tweaked its roster around franchise slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., key figures such as Bo Bichette have continued their careers elsewhere around Major League Baseball.
And one of the more memorable names from that group is Santiago Espinal, whose unexpected rise culminated in an All-Star appearance with Toronto in 2022. But since leaving the Blue Jays, Espinal has bounced between organizations while attempting to carve out a long-term role as a versatile utility infielder.
Now, the one-time Blue Jays All-Star is again searching for a new opportunity after a surprising change in Los Angeles ended a second stint with the Dodgers this season.
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"Santiago Espinal has cleared waivers and elected free agency,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Anthony Franco reported. “The Dodgers designated the veteran infielder for assignment on Tuesday 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."
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"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.
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