Jose Espada Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Jose Manuel Espada
Born 02/22/1997 in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 170 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Jose Collazo Colon
Drafted in the 5th round (152nd overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015 (signed for $330,000).

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Espada is a part of an above-average class of pitchers in Puerto Rico this year, but remains mostly about projection. He's listed at 6-foot, 170 pounds and has seen his velocity tick up in the last year. He throws his fastball in the mid to upper 80s and touches 92 mph. His curveball is his best secondary pitch, and he'll also show the occasional changeup. Espada earns praise for his competitiveness on the mound.

Top Rankings

The first player drafted out of Puerto Rico in 2015, Espada has a chance to continue a recent string of Puerto Rican pitchers who have had success in pro ball. Espada is different from predecessors such as the Twins' Jose Berrios and the Brewers' Jorge Lopez. He is more polished at a similar age but has less pure velocity or projectability. Espada was an infielder previously and has retained that level of athleticism. He has a good delivery that won't need an overhaul. Those two factors give him good command for his age of a fastball that sits 88-91 mph and has touched 93. He should add a tick or two as he matures physically and adds strength. He throws a slider and changeup now, but the Jays like his arm slot better for a curveball and will try to teach him one in 2016. Espada already is an excellent defender at the position. The Blue Jays have him ticketed for extended spring training followed by a likely engagement at Rookie-Bluefield.

RHP Jose Espada assigned to Criollos de Caguas.
Baltimore Orioles optioned RHP Jose Espada to FCL Orioles.
Baltimore Orioles recalled RHP Jose Espada from Norfolk Tides.
Baltimore Orioles selected the contract of RHP Jose Espada from Norfolk Tides.
Baltimore Orioles optioned RHP Jose Espada to Norfolk Tides.
RHP Jose Espada assigned to Norfolk Tides.
Baltimore Orioles signed free agent RHP Jose Espada to a minor league contract.
El Paso Chihuahuas released RHP Jose Espada.
RHP Jose Espada assigned to El Paso Chihuahuas from San Antonio Missions.
San Antonio Missions activated RHP Jose Espada.
RHP Jose Espada assigned to San Antonio Missions from El Paso Chihuahuas.
San Diego Padres invited non-roster RHP Jose Espada to spring training.
San Antonio Missions activated RHP Jose Espada from the temporarily inactive list.
San Antonio Missions placed RHP Jose Espada on the temporarily inactive list.
RHP Jose Espada and assigned to San Antonio Missions.
RHP Jose Espada and assigned to San Diego Padres.
Puerto Rico activated RHP Jose Espada.
Puerto Rico activated RHP Jose Espada.
RHP Jose Espada assigned to Puerto Rico.