The Cincinnati Reds have acquired 23-year-old infielder Santiago Espinal from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league pitcher Chris McElvain. The trade, which has been widely reported and confirmed by both teams, sees the Reds filling a need for an infielder, while the Blue Jays part with the former All-Star Espinal. McElvain, a 23-year-old starter, pitched in High-A last season. The transaction is considered a minor overpay by Toronto, with Espinal valued at $3.0M surplus trade value and McElvain at $0.3M according to trade value models. The deal also allows the Blue Jays to clear $2.725 million in payroll, with no cash involved in the announcement of the trade. This move has implications for the Blue Jays' roster, as it appears to make room for Davis Schneider and addresses the situation with Ernie Clement, who was out of options and arguably the better player.
There's no mention of cash in the announcement of the Espinal deal, so it appears the Blue Jays clear $2.725 million in payroll here. Vogelbach & Votto would each earn $2 million at the MLB level, FWIW.
The Reds trade for Santiago Espinal https://t.co/v6UzGQTg3S
Today the #Reds acquired IF Santiago Espinal ($3.0M surplus trade value) from the #BlueJays in exchange for RHP Chris McElvain ($0.3M). The deal is accepted by our model as a minor overpay by Toronto.
There was just no room on #Bluejays roster for Espinal with Ernie Clement out of options and arguably the better player. #Jays and #Reds play Aug 19-21 in Toronto. Loved Espinal - terrific kid, great teammate and wish him nothing but the best. https://t.co/WouEmHFipG
Blue Jays send infielder Santiago Espinal to the Reds for right-hander Chris McElvain
Blue Jays trade former All-Star Espinal to Reds https://t.co/oo5cVm7vVF
Finally, the Reds get an infielder https://t.co/YmfwNKX5kW
Trade: The #BlueJays have sent Santiago Espinal to the Reds for RHP Chris McElvain. McElvain, a 23-year-old starter, pitched in High-A last season.
Reds Acquire Santiago Espinal https://t.co/6uKSWt7Iwf https://t.co/uKOw3ZXB9L
If Davis Schneider is gonna make this team, it did feel like Espinal was gonna be the odd man out. Had options though. https://t.co/BuhP9NmR4V
The Reds have acquired infielder Santiago Espinal from the Blue Jays for Minor League pitcher Chris McElvain.
OFFICIAL: We’ve acquired Minor League RHP Chris McElvain from the Reds in exchange for INF Santiago Espinal. https://t.co/mr3SNxgt0c