GM's comments pave the way for this Reds infielder to return in 2025

The Cincinnati Reds have a lot of infielders on the 40-man roster. Of course, everyone knows about Elly De La Cruz and Jonathan India, but Cincinnati also has players like Jeimer Candelario, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Matt McLain, and Noelvi Marte as well.

But one player who performed incredibly well over the final few months of the 2024 season was Santiago Espinal. The Reds swung a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays just before Opening Day after learning that McLain would need shoulder surgery. Espinal was an All-Star in 2022, but had been pushed out of Toronto's starting lineup due the Jays' influx of talent on the infield dirt.

Espinal's future in Cincinnati is somewhat clouded. Not only do the Reds have a number of talented infielders, but the soon-to-be 30-year-old will be owed a pay raise next season. Espinal is entering Year 2 of his arbitration window and is expected to make in the neighborhood of $4 million in 2025.

Reds GM's comments pave the way for Santiago Espinal to return in 2025

But Reds General Manager Brad Meador gave Espinal a vote of confidence ahead of an unpredictable offseason. In an interview with MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, Meador said, "He (Espinal) played a big role on this team, especially in the second half. He’s a leader. He wants to play every day, and he’s willing to play any position. I’m certainly glad we have him."

That would seem to indicate that Cincinnati plans to bring Espinal back in 2025. An infielder by trade, Espinal showed extraordinary versatility in 2024 when he was deployed into the outfield at various points throughout the second-half of the season.

With the Reds supposedly putting an emphasis on defense heading into next season, banking on Espinal seems like a wise choice. Though some of the advanced metrics don't necessarily bear it out, Espinal is viewed as an above-average defender. His bat, however, will have to improve if he hopes to find regular playing time next season.

Some might view Espinal through the same lens as former Reds utility infielder Kyle Farmer. The gritty, blue-collar approach is one that fans throughout the Queen City appreciate and fans hope that Espinal will be part of the Reds plans next season.

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