Dodgers just handed the Reds a reunion they absolutely must avoid

The Cincinnati Reds are suckers for a reunion. Reds fans have seen their favorite team reunite with players of days gone by like Wade Miley, Connor Joe, Stuart Fairchild, and most recently Eugenio Suárez. But the Los Angeles Dodgers just gave Cincinnati an opportunity for another reunion, and it's one that the Reds front office must resist at all costs.

Earlier this week, the Dodgers designated Santiago Espinal for assignment. The former All-Star was a favorite of manager Terry Francona last season, and an obvious fear among the Cincinnati faithful would be Espinal somehow finding his way back to the Queen City.

Espinal had done very little for the Dodgers this season. The 31-year-old infielder is hitting .220/.238/.366 on in 2026 with just one home runs and a 67 wRC+. Based on those numbers, it's plain to see why LA had their fill and decided to send Espinal packing.

Reds aren't desperate enough to reunite with Santiago Espinal

After DFA'ing Espinal on Monday, the Dodgers have a seven-day window to trade him or release him into free agency. The Reds DFA'd Espinal following the 2025 season, and attempted to outright him to the minor leagues. He rejected the assignment and latched with LA shortly before spring training.

Espinal is a versatile defender, and has spent time at first, second, and third base this season with the Dodgers. The Reds have received little-to-no production of late from second baseman Matt McLain, but that's hardly a reason to bring Espinal back into the fold.

In fact, if the Reds are looking to replace McLain at the keystone, they have a perfectly viable candidate sitting at Triple-A Louisville. Top infield prospect Edwin Arroyo has been tearing it up in the minor leagues, and should be given an opportunity with the big-league ball club long before the Reds' front office entertains the idea of a reunion with Espinal.

Espinal played well enough in 2024 to maintain a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster the following year, but Francona was far too reliant on him last season. Espinal appeared in 114 games despite hitting a paltry .243/.292/.282.

Reds fans have already grown tired of the Ke'Bryan Hayes' all-glove-no-bat approach to the game, and there's no need to bring along another player that fits the same mold.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow