DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Santiago Espinal is many things.
He’s a second baseman, a shortstop and a third baseman. He’s also a 2022 All-Star who may need to come off the bench sometimes on a crowded, versatile 2023 team. Some of his many identities can be contradictory.
By any name, though, Espinal is key to what the Blue Jays are trying to do. When this many talented and versatile players are stacked onto one roster, it’s easier than ever to get to their individual strengths. In 2023, Toronto gets to use Espinal where it wants to use him, not just where he fits that day.
“It’s a good puzzle to solve when you have those matchups,” manager John Schneider said with a smile on Thursday.
Espinal made 105 of his 119 starts last season at second base, but that percentage won’t be as high in 2023. Whit Merrifield will split those reps with Espinal, while Cavan Biggio, who will play all over, is also expected to get the odd game at second base. It’s going to be a revolving door based on who’s hot and who’s pitching that day.
That’s where this really starts to matter with Espinal. He’s always been at his best against left-handed pitching.
“With lefties -- and I don’t want to brag -- but with lefties I feel like it’s way easier for me,” Espinal said after a two-hit day in Toronto’s 3-1 win over the Braves on Thursday. “It’s way easier because I can see the whole part of the field and the angle they’re coming in at. I just feel a lot more comfortable with a lefty.”
It’s not bragging when the numbers back you up.
Espinal’s career splits:
vs. RHP: .260 / .319 / .354 (.673 OPS)
vs. LHP: .322 / .376 / .427 (.802 OPS)
The short version? When a lefty is on the mound, Espinal is in the lineup. Every single time.
Espinal is still playable against righties, of course, but if he starts the day on the bench, he’s a wonderful option for Schneider to have late in games against a lefty.
In this game of “If A, then B,” you can start to see how this roster’s versatility brings far more value than just defensive flexibility. It’s about the offense, too.
The additions of Daulton Varsho, Brandon Belt and Kevin Kiermaier will only help Espinal. Last season, the Blue Jays gave the most at-bats to righties and the fewest to lefties since the 1993 Rockies. Opponents weren’t exactly stumbling over themselves to put lefties on the mound, but since the Blue Jays have added some much-needed balance, Espinal should see his favorite type of pitcher more often.
When he does, he’ll have a plan. Espinal has been working with Victor Martinez, who’s in camp with the Blue Jays as a special assistant. Where V-Mart goes, Espinal goes.
“This guy always hit. Every year. He hits in the cage with us and I’m still impressed,” Espinal said. “When I look at a guy like that, I’m trying to take advantage of the opportunity. I’m asking 150 questions every day. He’s probably tired of me already. But he told me not to change who I am. When I’m at the plate and I have a plan, stick to that plan.”
That’s what Espinal struggled with at times last year when his numbers dipped from the All-Star level. He’d walk up to the plate with a solid plan, but if he went down in the count 0-1 or 1-2, he’d pivot away from that plan and look for something else. Now, he’s working to recognize that his mindset needs to be permanent and unwavering, something he can lean on as an identity instead of reacting to the pitcher he’s facing.
Espinal is open about this, saying he’s not 100 percent of the way there just yet -- but he’s on the way.
“[V-Mart] tells me every day that I am not a machine,” Espinal said, “I’m not a machine. I’m not going to get three hits every day. There’s going to be days that I’m doing my work, but it just doesn’t work. It’s about trying to stay consistent and trusting in my plan.”
It’s easy to bet on Espinal’s adjustments, too, because he’s such a fundamentally sound ballplayer. Regardless of which side of second base he’s on, Espinal is a sharp defender and his speed brings value on the bases.
He’s a perfect fit for this roster, and in 2023, the roster might just be a perfect fit for Espinal.