The Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster somehow managed to get even better this offseason after winning back-to-back World Series Championships.
Los Angeles’ offseason was headlined by the free agent signings of superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Edwin DÃaz, but the team made multiple smaller impactful moves throughout free agency. More recently, the Dodgers signed former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star infielder Santiago Espinal to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training.
Espinal is a six-year MLB veteran and former All-Star, spending the first four seasons of his career in Toronto before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds. The 31-year-old infielder has been absolutely on fire since joining the Dodgers for spring training, slashing .571/.667/.714 through six games and is quickly proving his worth.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that it’s hard to see a scenario where Espinal won’t open the regular season on their big league roster, per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
The Dodgers already boast arguably the best roster in all of baseball, but bringing in a former All-Star like Espinal as a depth piece is a great move. Espinal is a versatile fielder, making over 200 starts in his career at both second base and third base, and could provide Los Angeles with another infield platoon option, especially with Tommy Edman already injured.
Last season, the Dodgers’ pitching staff was incredibly riddled with injuries, and you never know what can happen during the 162-game regular season. Espinal likely will be on Los Angeles’ big-league roster in a utility role and he can help mitigate risk the injury risks.
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