Toronto Blue Jays Insider Mentions Former All-Star as Possible Trade Piece This Winter

With utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa already in the fold for 2024, Toronto Blue Jays Insider Ben Nicholson-Smith opines that the group could look to move on from former All-Star Santiago Espinal.

The Toronto Blue Jays recently signed veteran utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a two-year deal. He could be the team's starting third baseman, or he could be a super-utility player.

Either way, with him in the fold, Jays' reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith wonders if the team could be ready to move a former All-Star.

It’s also worth noting that the Blue Jays now have two backup options to Bo Bichette at shortstop, which opens the door to a trade involving Santiago Espinal should the Blue Jays want to explore such a move. They have shown some off-season interest in Amed Rosario and Gio Urshela, two players who offer similar skill sets, but it’s not clear how strong that interest is now that Kiner-Falefa’s in place.

Espinal made the American League All-Star team in 2022 when he hit .267 for the year with seven homers and 51 RBI. He had a more modest role in 2023, hitting .248 over just 93 games. He had just two home runs and 25 RBI.

It's unclear what kind of return Espinal could bring at this point, but perhaps some minor league depth or a lower-leverage bullpen arm might be appropriate. It's also not necessary to move him. If Kiner-Falefa is going to be the team's starter at third base, maybe Espinal can be the utility piece who serves as a backup at multiple positions.

The Blue Jays finished third in the American League East last season and advanced to the playoffs via the wild card round. They were swept in that round by the Minnesota Twins.

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