Orioles Sign Thairo Estrada to Minor League Deal Following Westburg Injury

The Baltimore Orioles signed 30-year-old Thairo Estrada to a minor league contract with a spring training invitation to address depth needs.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Baltimore Orioles signed veteran infielder Thairo Estrada to a minor league contract on Monday, a transaction that includes an official invitation to major league spring training. This roster move addresses a vacancy in the infield depth chart created by third baseman Jordan Westburg, who is projected to remain sidelined until at least May due to an elbow injury. Estrada, 30, arrives in Baltimore after a 2024 campaign with the Colorado Rockies where he posted a .253 batting average across 39 appearances.

Financial details regarding Estrada’s recent departure from Colorado include a $750,000 buyout triggered on Nov. 3 after the Rockies declined a $7 million mutual option for the 2026 season. During his 2025 tenure in Colorado, the veteran was utilized exclusively at second base, though his defensive resume features extensive time at shortstop, third base, and in the outfield. His availability follows a season significantly shortened by three distinct medical setbacks that limited his on-field production.

Injury History and 2024 Statistics

Estrada's previous season was delayed until May 30 after he suffered a fractured right wrist on March 20. The injury occurred when he was struck by a pitch delivered by Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker during a spring exhibition. Following his return, the infielder faced a second stint on the shelf from July 7 through July 25 to recover from a strained right thumb. His competitive year ultimately concluded on Aug. 5 when a strained right hamstring forced him back onto the injured list.

Despite these physical challenges, Estrada brings a history of power hitting to the Orioles organization. He established career-high marks by hitting 14 home runs in consecutive seasons during 2022 and 2023. His major league journey began in 2019 with the New York Yankees, followed by a four-year stint with the San Francisco Giants spanning from 2021 through 2024.

Impact on the Orioles Infield

The addition of Estrada provides a versatile utility option for Baltimore as they navigate the loss of Westburg for the opening month of the season. With the ability to cover multiple positions, the veteran offers a contingency plan for the middle infield and corner spots. His experience in high-leverage environments with the Yankees and Giants serves as a veteran presence for the younger prospects currently in the Baltimore system.

Estrada will compete for a roster spot during the upcoming spring training schedule in Florida. His performance during these exhibition games will determine his role within the organization as they bridge the gap until Westburg's anticipated return in May. The minor league nature of the deal allows the Orioles to evaluate his health and defensive range across the diamond without immediate 40-man roster implications.

Career Trajectory and Versatility

Throughout his professional tenure, Estrada has proven capable of handling the rigors of the National League West and the American League East. His transition back to the AL East marks a return to the division where he first broke into the big leagues six years ago. The Orioles are banking on his ability to replicate the offensive output seen during his peak years in San Francisco, where he became a reliable source of double-digit home runs.

By securing Estrada on a low-risk minor league agreement, Baltimore adds a player with nearly 400 games of major league experience. This depth is critical for a team looking to maintain its standing in the division while key starters recover from long-term ailments. The veteran's familiarity with various defensive alignments ensures that the coaching staff has flexibility when constructing daily lineups throughout the early stages of the 2025 campaign.