The MLB offseason is ongoing, with the Cincinnati Reds making a significant trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, as reported by Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Cincinnati is set to acquire veteran infielder Santiago Espinal, while they will send right-handed pitching prospect Chris McElvain to Toronto.
Espinal, 29, is a valuable addition for the Reds. He earned an All-Star selection with the Blue Jays in 2022, hitting .267 with seven home runs and 51 RBIs in 135 games. Although he experienced a slight dip in performance in 2023, batting .248 over 93 games due in part to a hamstring issue, Espinal was a .311 hitter in 2021.
The Reds’ need for infield depth has grown, with one infielder recently receiving a PED ban and another, Matt McLain, expected to miss the start of the regular season due to a shoulder injury.
While McElvain, 23, has potential as a pitcher after posting a 5-5 record with a 3.75 ERA in 19 minor league starts last season, acquiring Espinal addresses a more immediate need for the Reds, given his experience at three infield positions.
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