Reds fans won’t lose sleep after Dodgers grab a Terry Francona favorite

A lingering thought seemed to haunt a large majority of Cincinnati Reds fans throughout the offseason. What if Santiago Espinal comes back? Espinal had worn out his welcome in Reds Country, and most fans were ready to move on. Thankfully, the Los Angeles Dodgers officially put an end to any sort of reunion speculation after agreeing to a minor-league deal with the former All-Star.

This signing is somewhat peculiar, however. According to Espinal's player page at MLB.com, he accepted an outright assignment to the Louisville Bats at the end of October. Most Reds fans just assumed he arrived in Goodyear earlier this week and would be competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Instead, he'll be joining the Dodgers out at Camelback Ranch.

Espinal was a late-addition to the Reds Opening Day roster back in 2024. After losing Matt McLain for the season to a shoulder injury, Cincinnati needed a serviceable player who could cover second base and also back up Elly De La Cruz at shortstop. The Reds pulled off a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays just before the start of the season that brought the slick-fielding second baseman to Cincinnati.

A Terry Francona favorite, Santiago Espinal, leaves the Reds for the Dodgers

Espinal played well during his first season in Cincinnati, and had plenty of success against left-handed pitching. After hitting .246/.295/.356 and playing above average defense at multiple positions across the infield, the Reds signed Espinal to a one-year deal following his 2024 campaign.

Espinal's numbers, however, took a severe downturn last season. He hit just .243/.292/.282 and posted a 57 OPS+. Despite his struggles, Espinal seemed to garner plenty of favor from Reds manager Terry Francona — much to the chagrin of the Cincinnati faithful.

There were many times when Francona would lean on Espinal at key junctures during a game despite the situation obviously calling for something different. The biggest display of favoritism, however, came late last summer when the Reds clung to Espinal rather than call up top prospect.

Cincinnati waited until rosters expanded in September, and were it not for the New York Mets' epic collapse down the stretch, that decision could've cost the Reds a playoff spot. All of Reds Country can sleep soundly tonight knowing Espinal won't be back in 2026.