The San Diego Padres reached a minor-league deal with starting pitcher Anderson Espinoza on Monday. The Padres' former No. 1 prospect underwent back-to-back Tommy John surgeries and did not pitch between 2017 and 2021. Espinoza made his big-league debut in 2022 with the Chicago Cubs, tossing 18 1/3 innings out of the bullpen with a 5.40 ERA. Now 24 years old, Espinoza will have to prove a great deal before warranting attention on fantasy radars, despite his former pedigree.

The Chicago Cubs acquired prospect pitcher Anderson Espinoza in exchange for outfielder Jake Marisnick. The 23-year-old Espinoza is a former top prospect whose career has been derailed by two Tommy John surgeries since 2016. Currently in High-A, the right-hander carries a 5.02 ERA over 28 frames. Scouted as a fireballer with three solid pitches, Espinoza's health is the more important factor as the Cubs are clearly reaching for upside. Due to durability questions, Espinoza is a probable bullpen candidate if he reaches the majors, diminishing his fantasy value.