Padres Sign Jose Espada to Minor League Deal

The San Diego Padres have signed right-handed pitcher Jose Espada to a minor league contract, marking a reunion between the player and the team. Espada, 27, previously pitched in the Padres’ system during the 2022-23 seasons before spending the last year with the Yakult Swallows in Japan.

Espada’s stint in Japan didn’t go as planned. He struggled in 27 relief innings for the Swallows, posting a 5.00 ERA with a significant dip in his strikeout rate, which fell to 13.56% compared to his career 26.59% strikeout rate in the minors. Although Espada’s performance with the Swallows’ minor league team was more encouraging, his prior success in affiliated minor league baseball had already showcased his potential.

In 2023, Espada excelled at both Double-A and Triple-A levels, culminating in a 2.79 ERA over 19 1/3 innings with the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate. His strong performance earned him a brief call-up to the major leagues, where he made his MLB debut on September 24, 2023. In his lone appearance, Espada pitched a scoreless inning in mop-up duty during the Padres’ 12-2 victory over the Cardinals, recording two strikeouts and two walks.

Originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB Draft, Espada’s professional journey has included time in the Red Sox organization, independent baseball, and now his return to the Padres. Throughout his career, he has been known for his ability to miss bats, although command issues have been a recurring challenge.

The Padres are optimistic that Espada can regain his form, particularly in a familiar environment like Triple-A El Paso. For Espada, this move provides an opportunity to reset and recapture the strikeout ability that has defined much of his career. From the Padres’ perspective, Espada represents a reliable depth option for their bullpen as they prepare for the upcoming season.