Position: 1B/OF
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
Born: 12/18/2002
Country: Dominican Republic
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2019
Bonus: $225,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2023
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
Espinal’s primary asset is raw power, which impressed observers at showcase events and in fall instructionals. So far he’s had extremely high walk and K rates. He has a good arm, but his speed is below-average. He started off playing in the outfield corners, but shifted to playing more at first base.
2020-22
After missing the pandemic year, Espinal struggled badly in the DSL in 2021. He drew a lot of walks, but struck out in over half his ABs and batted just .155. He went back there in 2022 and hit better, with good power. He had stratospheric walk and K rates, 30% and 30.5%, respectively.
2023-24
Espinal went to the FCL for 2023, but he missed much of the season with injuries and got into only 23 games. He continued to walk and strike out at very high rates, but he batted only .227, with no power. The Pirates sent him back to the level in 2024 and he struggled even more. He drew a lot of walks, but had a very difficult time making contact; 57% of his plate appearances produced either a walk or a strikeout. He batted 086/284/155, getting only five hits in 25 games. Espinal also filled in briefly at Bradenton early in the season and went 0-for-11.
Stats
Transactions
July 2, 2019: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.