Anderson

Espinoza

The two-year pact is estimated to be in the range of $6 million. The former top prospect joined the Buffaloes prior to the 2024 season where he registered a 2.58 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and a 117/52 K/BB ratio across 139 2/3 innings in his 23 starts.

Espinoza was universally-regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball last decade, but his career wound up being derailed due to injury. The 25-year-old righty will look to rebuild his long-term value overseas in Japan after logging seven relief appearances for the Cubs back in 2022. He spent all of last year at Triple-A El Paso in the Padres’ minor league system.

The right-hander punched out five batters in the impressive outing. The only hit that he allowed was a leadoff single to Kris Bryant in the fourth inning. It’s a great effort in what has otherwise been a rough spring for Espinoza, who sports a 7.20 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over five innings in Cactus league action. He’ll open the season at Triple-A El Paso.

Espinoza made his long-awaited major league debut this past season with the Cubs and is returning to San Diego where he spent nearly a half-decade earlier in his career. The 24-year-old former top prospect bolsters the Padres’ organizational relief depth heading into the 2023 season.

Espinoza, one of the game’s top pitching prospects before arm problems set in, had a 5.40 ERA and a 19/16 K/BB ratio in 18 1/3 innings for the Cubs last season. There’s still hope for him as a reliever, but he doesn’t seem close to contributing right now.

The 24-year-old hurler was with the big league club for just four days this time around. He’s being sent out this time to make room for Kervin Castro in the Cubs bullpen. Espinoza has posted a 5.40 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 19/16 K/BB ratio over 18 1/3 innings with the Cubs this season.

Espinoza will fortify the Cubs’ long relief depth after starter Keegan Thompson landed on the 15-day injured list with a back injury. The 24-year-old former top prospect has compiled a 4.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15/13 K/BB ratio across 15 1/3 innings (six appearances) this season in the majors.

Espinoza heads back to the minors to make room for Steven Brault, as Brault is coming off the COVID-19 injured list on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has struggled with command as seen in 13 walks in 15 1/3 innings, but he’s fanned 15 hitters in that timerame.

The Cubs will do a lot of bullpen shuffling these next two months after trading four relievers today. Espinoza, an elite rotation prospect before arm problems set in, has a 2.79 ERA in 9 2/3 innings in the majors this year, though that comes with nine walks. He’s given up 41 earned runs in 49 1/3 innings while working mostly as a starter in the minors.

Espinoza will provide the Cubs’ bullpen with some extra depth heading into Saturday’s twin bill. The 24-year-old former top prospect has posted a solid 3.86 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 8/7 K/BB ratio across seven innings (two appearances) this season in the big leagues.