The Baltimore Orioles signed veteran infielder Thairo Estrada to a minor league contract on Monday, aiming to increase infield depth while third baseman Jordan Westburg remains sidelined with an elbow injury through at least May. Estrada’s agreement includes an invitation to participate in spring training as the Orioles bolster their roster in Sarasota, Florida.
Estrada’s Recent Performance and Contract History
At 30 years old, Estrada appeared in just 39 games for the Colorado Rockies last season, posting a .253 batting average. The Rockies declined Estrada’s $7 million mutual option for the 2026 season on November 3, opting instead for a $750,000 buyout. Following this, Estrada rejected an outright assignment to Triple-A Albuquerque, choosing free agency instead.
Versatility and Injury Challenges in Recent Seasons
Estrada primarily played second base for Colorado in 2025 but brings versatility, with experience at shortstop, third base, and in the outfield. Last season, he faced several injury setbacks: a fractured right wrist from a pitch by Kumar Rocker in March delayed his season debut until May 30. Later, a right thumb strain kept him out from July 7 to 25, and his campaign ended early on August 5 due to a strained right hamstring.
Career Overview and Major League Experience
Estrada began his major league career with the New York Yankees in 2019 before joining the San Francisco Giants from 2021 to 2024. During his time with the Giants, he reached career-best numbers by hitting 14 home runs in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, demonstrating consistent offensive contributions.
