| José Espada | |
|---|---|
 Espada with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows | |
| Baltimore Orioles – No. 72 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1997-02-22)February 22, 1997 (age 28) Ponce, Puerto Rico | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| Professional debut | |
| MLB: September 24, 2023, for the San Diego Padres | |
| NPB: March 29, 2024, for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows | |
| MLB statistics (through 2025 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 0–0 |
| Earned run average | 0.00 |
| Strikeouts | 6 |
| NPB statistics (through 2024 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 0–2 |
| Earned run average | 5.00 |
| Strikeouts | 16 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| |
José Manuel Espada (born February 22, 1997) is a Puerto Rican professionalbaseballpitcher for theBaltimore Orioles ofMajor League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played MLB for theSan Diego Padres, and inNippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for theTokyo Yakult Swallows.
Espada was drafted by theToronto Blue Jays in the fifth round, with the 152nd overall selection, of the2015 Major League Baseball draft.[1] He made his professional debut with the rookie–levelGulf Coast League Blue Jays, posting a 3.41 ERA in 10 games (7 starts).[2] In 2016, Espada made 12 appearances (10 starts) for the rookie–levelBluefield Blue Jays, recording a 4.92 ERA with 32 strikeouts across 53.0 innings of work.[3]
Espada spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Low–AVancouver Canadians, posting a 5.14 ERA and 4.88 ERA in 13 games each season.[4] He split the 2019 season between the GCL Blue Jays and Single–ALansing Lugnuts. In 10 total appearances, Espada logged a 3.09 ERA with 13 strikeouts in11+2⁄3 innings pitched.[5]
On December 12, 2019, theBoston Red Sox selected Espada in the minor league phase of theRule 5 draft.[6] He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[7]
Espada returned to action in 2021, spending the year with the High–AGreenville Drive. On September 2, Espada, Jeremy Wu-Yelland, Oddanier Mosqueda, and Jake Wallace pitched a combinedno-hitter against theAsheville Tourists.[8] In 28 appearances for the Drive, Espada registered a 3.09 ERA with 53 strikeouts across43+2⁄3 innings pitched. Espada elected free agency following the season on November 7, 2021.[9]
On February 1, 2022, Espada signed with theMilwaukee Milkmen of theAmerican Association of Professional Baseball.[10] In 8 starts for the club, Espada posted a 2–1 record and 3.61 ERA with 55 strikeouts across42+1⁄3 innings pitched.[11]
On July 1, 2022, Espada had his contract purchased by theSan Diego Padres organization.[12] In 11 games (7 starts) for the High–AFort Wayne TinCaps, he pitched to a 1–3 record and 4.05 ERA with 58 strikeouts across 40.0 innings of work.[13]
In 2023, Espada appeared in 38 games for the Double–ASan Antonio Missions and Triple–AEl Paso Chihuahuas, accumulating a 2.81 ERA and 110 strikeouts in83+1⁄3 innings pitched.[14] On September 22, 2023, Espada was selected to the40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[15] He made his MLB debut on September 24, tossing a scoreless inning of relief against theSt. Louis Cardinals and striking out two. On November 17, Espada was non-tendered and became a free agent.[16] On December 1, he re–signed with the Padres organization on a minor league contract.[17]
On December 17, 2023, Espada signed with theTokyo Yakult Swallows ofNippon Professional Baseball.[18] He made 24 appearances for the Swallows in 2024, compiling an 0–2 record and 5.00 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 27 innings pitched. On November 8, 2024, the Swallows announced they would not extend a contract to Espada for the 2025 season, making him a free agent.[19]
On December 16, 2024, Espada signed a minor league contract with theSan Diego Padres.[20] In 29 appearances split between the Double-ASan Antonio Missions and Triple-AEl Paso Chihuahuas, he accumulated a 3-1 record and 3.38 ERA with 58 strikeouts and three saves across37+1⁄3 innings pitched. Espada was released by the Padres organization on July 22, 2025.[21]
On July 26, 2025, Espada signed a minor league contract with theBaltimore Orioles.[22] On August 11, the Orioles added Espada to their 40-man roster and subsequently optioned him to the Triple-ANorfolk Tides.[23]