Jul 13, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Santiago Espinal (4) throws to first to get Colorado Rockies shortstop Ryan Ritter (not pictured) out in the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Reds Make Roster Move on Veteran Infielder

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI
By Greg Kuffner | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 2:45 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds have outrighted infielder Santiago Espinal off the 40-man roster, according to Charlie Goldsmith of Charlie's Chalkboard.

The move does not come as a big surprise, as there isn't a spot for Espinal to get much playing time, and he was due to make almost $3 million in 2026.

The Reds traded for Espinal ahead of the 2024 season. In 232 across two seasons, Espinal has been a nice presence defensively, but struggled offensively, slashing .245/.294/.322 with 33 extra-base hits.

After hitting nine home runs in 118 games in 2024, Espinal failed to go deep in 114 games in the 2025 season.

When Cincinnati traded for Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates and top prospect Sal Stewart got promoted from Triple-A Louisville, there simply wasn't anywhere for Espinal to play. He tallied just 32 plate appearances after the trade deadline.

This was a move I expected the Reds to make and they'll save a couple million dollars by doing so.

You can see Goldsmith's full post on X below:

The Reds have out righted Santiago Espinal off the 40 man. He has the ability to elect free agency.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) October 31, 2025