It’s official: the Toronto Blue Jays have traded infielder Santiago Espinal for right-handed pitcher Chris McElvain. McElvain is a 23-year-old Minor League pitcher from the Cincinnati Reds. He spent his whole minor-league career with the Reds in 2023. In A with the Reds in 2023, he recorded a 3.04 ERA. McElvain is also a Vanderbilt Commodores alumnus and had a 1.313 WHIP last season.
OFFICIAL: We’ve acquired Minor League RHP Chris McElvain from the Reds in exchange for INF Santiago Espinal. pic.twitter.com/mr3SNxgt0c
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 20, 2024
Blue Jays Acquire RHP Chris McElvain for Santiago Espinal
Espinal’s Time With The Blue Jays
Santiago Espinal in his 4 seasons with the Blue Jays —
— 347 GP (1,057 PA)
— 262 H (11 HR)
— 99 RBI
— 80 BB, 150 SO
— .273/.331.367 (.698 OPS)
— 97 wRC+ | 4.7 fWAR
— 2022 AL All-StarGood luck in Cincinnati, Espi! pic.twitter.com/BMsDMwoqPc
— BlueJays Muse (@BlueJays_Muse) March 21, 2024
Espinal spent four seasons with the Blue Jays, and he has been in 347 games played, 1057 plate appearances, 262 hits, 11 home runs, 99 RBIs, 80 walks, 150 strikeouts, .273/.331.367 and a .698 OPS, 97 wRC+, 4.7 fWAR, and was a 2022 American League All-Star. Espinal was not an everyday player last season for the Blue Jays and, unfortunately, was not strong at third base when Matt Chapman was injured, where an error on his part cost the Blue Jays a game in 2023. But Espinal was showcasing good offense in Spring Training for the Blue Jays this season with 6 RBIs.
Analyzing The Trade
While Espinal did showcase good potential to drive in the offense for the Blue Jays, the team has many utility players, so eliminating one of them would be in favor of the Blue Jays. It also allows the Blue Jays to extend young talent and give them a chance to play in more games. This move enables Ernie Clement to earn the backup middle infield role. But because of how Clement has been hitting in Spring Training, he could play second base consistently if given the opportunity. Adding another young player and arm for the Blue Jays is always forthcoming. Especially as the Blue Jays have been dealing with injuries before the regular season has commenced, the Blue Jays are known for having young, solid rookies and minor leaguers, so adding another young arm will do them justice.
Why The Trade Makes Sense
While Espinal will be missed, it is time to move forward. I wish him all the best with his new team, the Cincinnati Reds. His now former teammates surely want the best for him, and they can embark on the time that he has spent with the Blue Jays. Many did not anticipate that the Blue Jays would still be making trades, and while it is not a vast trade, it is still one that wasn’t expected.
But it is a trade that makes sense for the Blue Jays. You can never have too many pitchers, and the Blue Jays’ young depth is substantial. The Blue Jays have a strong starting rotation, and the Bullpen and their future young players look solid. Seeing the Blue Jays’ newest addition grow and excel will be intriguing. As well as seeing him progress and play in Spring Training for the Blue Jays.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
