The Minnesota Twins have agreed to a minor-league contract with right-handed reliever Jose Espada, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman. The right-hander has thrown five scoreless innings over three big-league seasons. The 29-year-old also pitched for Team Puerto Rico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Espada relies on three pitches: a low-80s slider, a low-to-mid 90s four-seamer and a low-to-mid 90s splitter. He posted a 2.77 ERA with 50 strikeouts and 28 walks in 48 2/3 innings at Triple-A Norfolk this season.
The Toronto Blue Jays selected Espada in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Jose Collazo Colon High School in Juncos, Puerto Rico. The Boston Red Sox claimed the right-hander off waivers from the Blue Jays in the 2019-20 offseason.
Espada remained with the Red Sox organization through the 2021 season. He then elected free agency.
Espada began the 2022 season playing independent ball. He signed a contract with the Padres in July 2022. Espada made his MLB debut with the Padres in 2023.
The Padres released Espada during the 2025 season. He then signed a minor-league deal with the Orioles. The right-hander made one appearance with Baltimore in 2025 and another in 2026.
During the 2026 WBC, Espada allowed one unearned run on two hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings across two outings while striking out two.
The right-hander has recorded a 3.90 ERA with 551 strikeouts and 200 walks over 478 career minor-league innings.
What will Jose Espada's role be with the Twins?
The odds of Espada cracking Minnesota's Opening Day roster are low, given his lack of big-league experience throughout his long professional career. However, he still might pitch out of Minnesota's bullpen at some point when the team needs a fresh arm. That's likely why the Twins brass signed him.
If Espada makes the Twins' Opening Day roster, that means Minnesota's front office didn't do enough to improve the bullpen, or several relievers suffered injuries during spring training. Espada is a solid depth piece, but he shouldn't be counted on to pitch in the majors frequently.
It's worth noting that if the looming Dec. 1 lockout extends through the regular season, Espada will still be able to play in the minor leagues. If the lockout cancels MLB games, the minor-league season will still be played. Many speculate that the lockout, which will occur when the CBA expires on Dec. 1, will cancel games because the owners are adamant about implementing a salary cap, while the players have made it clear they won't accept a cap.
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