Ex-All-Star Santiago Espinal vying for Dodgers roster spot

Veteran utility player looks to revive career with two-time defending champions

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Santiago Espinal, a former All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays, is trying to make the Los Angeles Dodgers' Opening Day roster this spring. Despite underwhelming seasons the past three years, Espinal's versatility and experience could earn him a spot on the Dodgers' deep roster, especially with injuries to key players like Kiké Hernández.

Why it matters

Espinal's potential addition to the Dodgers' roster would provide the two-time defending World Series champions with a seasoned utility player capable of contributing in a variety of ways. His ability to play multiple positions could prove valuable as the Dodgers navigate injuries and roster decisions in the early part of the season.

The details

Espinal, a 31-year-old infielder, is trying to resurrect his MLB career after three disappointing seasons since his 2022 All-Star campaign with the Blue Jays. He signed a minor-league deal with the Dodgers this offseason and has impressed in spring training, batting 4-for-8 with an RBI. The Dodgers have openings on their roster due to injuries, and Espinal's versatility and experience could give him an edge over younger options like Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland.

  • Espinal was an All-Star in 2022 while with the Blue Jays.
  • Espinal signed a minor-league deal with the Dodgers this offseason.
  • Espinal has been working out with the Dodgers' big-league regulars during spring training.

The players

Santiago Espinal

A 31-year-old infielder who is trying to make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster after signing a minor-league deal with the team this offseason.

Teoscar Hernández

A former teammate of Espinal's with the Blue Jays who believes Espinal can be a valuable asset for the Dodgers this season.

Dave Roberts

The Dodgers' manager, who has expressed optimism about Espinal's chances of making the team's Opening Day roster.

Kiké Hernández

A Dodgers utility player who will likely miss the first half of the season due to offseason elbow surgery, creating an opening for a player like Espinal.

Hyeseong Kim

A young Dodgers prospect competing with Espinal for a roster spot.

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What they’re saying

“He's a really good player. He understands the game. He understands every situation. And he understands everything that he has to do.”

— Teoscar Hernández, Former Teammate (The California Post)

“Things bode well for him. He's really a helpful, winning player in my opinion, (who) raises the floor.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager (The California Post)

“I see him as a Kiké Hernández type of player. He can play and contribute in a lot of ways.”

— Teoscar Hernández, Former Teammate (The California Post)

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to evaluate Espinal's performance throughout the remainder of spring training as they make their final roster decisions for Opening Day.

The takeaway

Espinal's versatility and experience could make him a valuable addition to the Dodgers' roster, especially with injuries to key players like Kiké Hernández. His ability to play multiple positions and provide depth off the bench could give him an edge over younger options as the Dodgers look to defend their World Series titles.