REDS GET ESPINAL
The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Santiago Espinal from the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Chris McElvain.
What does it give the Cincinnati Reds
From a Reds perspective, adding Espinal makes all the sense in the world. With Noelvi Marte suspended for the first 80 games of the MLB campaign, and Matt McLain dealing with a shoulder concern, the Reds needed infield help. Espinal should provide just that with the versatility to play third base, second base and shortstop. He is a sure-handed fielder who has flashed some ability with the bat dating back to his all-star season of 2022.
What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
This trade is a bit of a head scratcher from a Toronto perspective. McElvain may help in the distant future, having most recently pitched in single A-ball, but this deal hurts their infield depth for a team hoping to make the playoffs this season. They could have traded Espinal for more immediate help at another position. At the end of the day, this trade leaves Toronto fans with more questions than answers. Does management have a plan?
Fantasy impact
Espinal is most likely going to take on a utility role in Cincinnati, although he could wind up forming a platoon at third base. Rostering him at this time is probably not worth it in shallower leagues. He is more valuable to the Reds than he would be on a fantasy team. McElvain has no immediate fantasy value.
