Former Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres’ Top Prospect Heads to Japan For Next Phase of Career

The 25-year-old was a top prospect of Boston who was dealt to the Padres in exchange for pitcher Drew Pomeranz. He then ended up in Chicago with the Cubs, where he made his major league debut in 2022. He appeared in seven games, going 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA.

He spent 2023 in the minors, going 8-9 with a 6.15 ERA. He’s had better results in Winter Ball this year, going 4-2 with a 3.93 ERA in Venezuela.

Given that he’s still young, there’s certainly a chance that Espinoza could find his way back to affiliated ball in the future. Recently, both Erike Fedde and Chris Flexen returned from Korea. In Flexen’s case, he had two very good seasons with the Seattle Mariners and is currently with the Chicago White Sox.

Signing in Japan certainly has benefits for Espinoza, who will get a more guaranteed role and a bigger contract. If he had stayed in the States, he likely would have only gotten another minor league opportunity.

In 2017, Espinoza was ranked the No. 25 prospect in the game by MLB.com. Just for fun, here’s a look at a portion of his prospect profile from that time:

Though he may be small in stature, there’s nothing diminutive about Espinoza’s stuff when healthy. His smooth delivery and lightning-quick arm produce a heater that can touch triple digits, though he typically works in the 94-97 mph range with late movement. Espinoza’s curveball shows plus potential but lacked consistency at times in 2016, while his changeup, thrown with fastball-like arm action as well as considerable sink, gives the teenager a true chance for three plus pitches once he matures. Beyond the stuff, Espinoza repeats his mechanics well and demonstrates advanced control and command for a hurler his age.

Unfortunately, injuries have really impacted his career. He’s had two Tommy John surgeries and missed four years of action.