• Full name Daniel Richard Espinosa
  • Born 04/25/1987 in Santa Ana, CA
  • Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: S / Throws: R
  • School Long Beach State
  • Debut 09/01/2010
  • Drafted in the 3rd round (87th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2008 (signed for $525,000).
    View Draft Report
    Espinosa is one of the most distinctive players in college baseball with his strong, mature build and slightly bowlegged "egg beater" running style. Long praised by scouts for his work ethic and hustling style of play, Espinosa gets maximum results out of average tools. One scout compared him to former Cal State Fullerton infielder Justin Turner, though with a bit more athleticism. Defensively, his range is fair and his glove work is unorthodox, but he does possess a strong arm. While he handled shortstop well for Team USA last summer, Espinosa is not a pure shortstop and may be better suited to second base or as a utility player. His intelligent and aggressive baserunning masks raw speed that is only average. A switch-hitter, Espinosa has always been stronger from his natural right side, but improved from the left this year. He takes a wicked cut at anything close, and when he squares a pitch up he can produce screaming drives to all fields. Most scouts want to see more plate discipline and patience from Espinosa, who's considered a streak hitter. His lack of overwhelming tools will keep him out of the first two rounds, but he has a lot of attributes scouts love, including the knack to make those around him better.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Washington Nationals in 2011
  • Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Washington Nationals in 2011
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Eastern League in 2010
  • Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Washington Nationals in 2010
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Carolina League in 2009
  • Rated Best Defensive SS in the Carolina League in 2009
  • Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Washington Nationals in 2009

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