During the first months of the 2022 season, Santiago Espinal exceeded the expectations placed on him by earning himself an invitation to the All-Star Game. He was an interesting weapon for the Blue Jays.
He calmed down afterwards and had a quieter end to the season, but never mind: he demonstrated his importance.
After all, while best known for his defence, Espinal doesn’t hurt his club at bat. Having him at the bottom of the roster brings an interesting element to the roster concocted by manager John Schneider.
But defensively, he makes himself very important and his first three years in the Majors show it very well.
In 2020, Bo Bichette got injured and it was he who took control of the shortstop. In 2021, the club needed a third baseman and they got it. And in 2022, with Matt Chapman arriving, he was given the second cushion.
In 2022, he was the substitute on the left side of the infield more often than not. Luckily, that hasn’t happened often in 2022, but Espinal is the club’s real insurance policy when a player on the left side of the infield needs a break.
I expect it to be the same in 2023…but the difference will be game time management at second base.
After all, second baseman (and catcher) aside, we know exactly which player will be the Jays’ starter in 2023, so Espinal will have to fight for his place in the sun.
Because he is a veteran, Whit Merrifield may be starting with a head start on Cavan Biggio and Espinal, but in reality, the three can play elsewhere on the pitch. Merrifield can play in the field… just like Biggio, who can also help out at first base.
According to FanGraphs, Espinal will play 118 games this year and will have similar numbers to last year. 118 games is three out of four games and less than 2022, but Merrifield started last season at Kansas City.
I think it’s a good tidy for a guy who isn’t an All-Star worthy player every year, but is more than a bench player regardless.
If he continues to bring stability, he will make his people happy. I expect it to be stable in 2023… not much talked about.
