The Orioles have made a savvy move by signing infielder Thairo Estrada to a minor league deal, which includes an invite to big league Spring Training. This comes right after Estrada's 30th birthday, adding a touch of celebration to the occasion.
Estrada, originally signed by the Yankees out of Venezuela, made his MLB debut in 2019. However, it was with the Giants that he truly made his mark.
Between 2021 and 2023, Estrada posted a solid .266/.320/.416 slash line, earning a 105 wRC+. His transition from a utility player to the Giants' starting second baseman was marked by a reliable bat and an impressive glove, making him a key player for San Francisco.
However, 2024 proved challenging. A left wrist sprain limited him to 96 games, and his performance dipped to a .217/.247/.343 line, with a 68 wRC+.
The Giants released him, and his stint with the Rockies didn't fare much better. A wrist fracture during Cactus League play and subsequent injuries kept him off the field for significant stretches, resulting in a .253/.285/.370 line over just 165 plate appearances.
Now with the Orioles, Estrada has a chance to revitalize his career amidst an infield that’s currently dealing with injuries. Both second baseman Jackson Holliday and third baseman Jordan Westburg will start the season on the injured list, creating openings that Estrada could fill. Holliday is recovering from a hamate fracture surgery, while Westburg is managing a partial ulnar collateral ligament tear.
These injuries have pushed former top prospect Coby Mayo and trade acquisition Blaze Alexander into starting roles. Utilityman Jeremiah Jackson might also see more action, and the Orioles recently claimed third baseman Bryan Ramos off waivers to bolster their options.
Estrada brings valuable experience to the Orioles' bench competition. With 508 MLB games under his belt and a .251/.299/.392 batting line, he offers versatility, having played primarily as a middle infielder but also at third base and in the outfield. His best position is second base, but his ability to cover multiple spots could be crucial as the Orioles navigate their current injury challenges.