Former Cincinnati Reds Infielder Signs With Los Angeles Dodgers

Santiago Espinal joins the Dodgers on a minor league deal after two seasons with the Reds

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Former Cincinnati Reds infielder Santiago Espinal has signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Espinal spent the past two seasons with the Reds, posting a .245/.294/.322 slash line with nine home runs and 61 RBI in 132 games. He was an All-Star with the Blue Jays in 2022 before being traded to the Reds prior to the 2023 season.

Why it matters

Espinal's move to the Dodgers adds another potential storyline to the ongoing rivalry between the Reds and Dodgers. The Dodgers have won back-to-back championships and are the team to beat in the National League, while the Reds are hoping to take them down this season.

The details

Espinal, a 31-year-old infielder, will be in big league camp with the Dodgers on his minor league deal. He provided a boost to the Reds' infield in 2023 when he was acquired to help fill in for an injured Matt McLain. Now he'll look to earn a spot on the Dodgers' roster and potentially face his former team.

  • Espinal signed with the Dodgers on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • He spent the past two seasons, 2024 and 2025, playing for the Cincinnati Reds.

The players

Santiago Espinal

A 31-year-old infielder who spent the past two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The reigning back-to-back National League champions, who Espinal will now try to make the roster of on a minor league deal.

Cincinnati Reds

The team Espinal played for the past two seasons, and who he will now potentially face as a member of the Dodgers.

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What’s next

Espinal will compete for a spot on the Dodgers' major league roster during spring training.

The takeaway

Espinal's move to the Dodgers adds an intriguing new subplot to the ongoing rivalry between the Reds and Dodgers, as the veteran infielder looks to earn a roster spot with the reigning NL champions after spending the past two seasons in Cincinnati.