Santiago Espinal has officially elected free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A Louisville by the Cincinnati Reds. This move came after he cleared waivers, indicating a need for the Reds to manage their roster as the offseason approaches. Espinal’s performance has declined significantly, making him less feasible for retention, despite his past All-Star recognition in 2022. The Reds currently have 37 players on their roster, allowing them potential flexibility for new acquisitions. Espinal, known for his versatility in the infield and his ability to hit left-handed pitchers, may attract interest for utility roles from other teams.
By the NumbersEspinal’s batting line over the last three seasons: .245/.298/.325 with a 71 wRC+In 2025, he recorded a .243/.292/.282 line with a wRC+ of 58. State of PlayThe Reds currently have 37 players, with potential room for adding talent as the offseason begins.Espinal’s past performance included a notable .289/.344/.491 against lefties last year, though his overall numbers have trended downward. What’s Next
Following his free agency election, Espinal may seek opportunities in either a minor league contract or a low-cost major league deal with teams needing depth in the infield or versatile bench players.
Bottom Line
Santiago Espinal’s choice of free agency opens avenues for him to find a new role, while the Reds benefit from roster flexibility as they prepare for the offseason and potential player acquisitions.