'Everybody started crying': Espinal headed to All-Star Game

TORONTO -- As the Blue Jays rolled into the clubhouse Saturday morning, John Schneider told Santiago Espinal there would be a team meeting at 11:45 am E.T.

It would be quick, Schneider said, and nothing to worry about, so Espinal nodded and told his new interim manager that he’d make sure everyone was there.

Espinal sunk into one of the leather couches in the clubhouse waiting for 11:45, surrounded by his teammates, when he learned the real reason for the meeting was him. Espinal was headed to the All-Star Game, replacing Jose Altuve. The clubhouse erupted with teammates jumping on Espinal, hugging him and cheering.

“I called my dad right away and he started crying,” Espinal said. “Then, I called my girlfriend. She started crying, too. We have a family group chat and I sent a big text, so pretty much everybody started crying, too.”

Espinal hasn’t stopped smiling since. He might not until he lands in Los Angeles, where he’ll fly on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s plane and meet fellow Blue Jays All-Stars Alejandro Kirk and Alek Manoah. George Springer was also named an All-Star, but will rest instead of playing in the game.

The 27-year-old Espinal has hit .271 this season with six home runs and a .716 OPS, emerging as the club’s starting second baseman while sliding over to shortstop or third base whenever Bo Bichette or Matt Chapman need a breather. More of a utility or role player in his first two MLB seasons, Espinal bulked up this offseason and was one of the best stories of Spring Training, all leading to this moment.

“It’s numbers, consistency, then you look at what he does defensively,” Schneider said. “He’s probably one of the best in the game. What he’s done offensively and how great and steady he’s been, that started in the offseason with him trying to get better at hitting the ball harder. He’s done that and then some.”

It’s been a remarkable story for the former 10th-round pick of the Red Sox in 2016. Toronto landed Espinal in a 2018 trade for future World Series MVP Steve Pearce -- a deal which has worked out for both sides -- and he’s continued to exceed expectations at each stop along the way.

Espinal’s whirlwind morning didn’t allow him much time to breathe, let alone plan his trip to L.A. He’s already looking forward to spending time with Juan Soto and José Ramírez -- and since he shares an agency with the great Albert Pujols, he’ll have an opportunity to meet one of his baseball heroes. Espinal said that he’s even more excited for his father, Santiago, to experience this than him.

“I always thought it was possible. I don’t think anything is impossible for me,” Espinal said. “Ever since I was a little kid, I always dreamed of being an All-Star. Getting this opportunity, it’s late, but it doesn’t matter. I didn’t think I was going to the All-Star Game. At this moment now, it’s just amazing.”

Originally, Espinal had plans to return home for the All-Star break. But he and his girlfriend recently decided to stay in Toronto, where he could rest up for the second half and the two could explore the city, which players don’t always have the opportunity to do during a busy season. Those plans will have to wait.