Dodgers News: Dodgers Reportedly Sign Infielder Santiago Espinal to Minor League Deal
Veteran utility man adds depth to L.A.’s infield mix as spring training competition heats up
GLENDALE, AZ—While pitchers and catchers for the Los Angeles Dodgers reported to Cameback Ranch this past Friday, today is the first official full squad workout, and that means the 2026 offseason is offically over.
Still, despite the long offseason finally coming to a conclusion, that doesn’t mean the Dodgers front office is done making moves, as the team has already made several signings over the last few days, including re-signing veteran right-handed relief pitcher Evan Phillips to a 1-year, $6.5 million deal and fan-favorite utilityman Kiké Hernández.
Now, the latest move from camp, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, is that the Dodgers have reportedly signed veteran utility infielder Santiago Espinal with an invitation to spring training.
Espinal is expected to join the Major League group in spring training, where he’ll have a legitimate opportunity to compete for a bench role. With the Dodgers currently without a right-handed-hitting infielder on the bench—and now dealing with the Tommy Edman IL setback—his skill set could fill a meaningful need.
Espinal, 31, has participated in parts of six Major League seasons, with his most recent game for the Cincinnati Reds in 2025. He also spent four years with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The utility infielder was an American League All-Star in 2022, when he posted a 100 wRC+ and 2.4 fWAR, but outside that season, he’s been a below-average hitter, with a career 85 wRC+.
The Dodgers sought a right-handed-hitting infielder after Ibáñez was lost to the Athletics. He was originally intended to provide infield depth while Kiké Hernández and Tommy Edman began the season on the injured list.
The team tried to waive Ibáñez so they could keep him in the organization and add him back to the 40-man roster at the start of Spring Training, enabling them to place players on the 60-day injured list.
But shortly after Ibáñez was DFA’d, the Athletics claimed the utilityman for themselves.
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