Colorado brings on the former Giant in hopes that he can get back to form
The Colorado Rockies have seemingly found their starting second baseman, as it was reported on Tuesday afternoon that the team has signed former San Francisco Giant Thairo Estrada.
Thairo Estrada has agreed to a one-year Major League deal with the Rockies, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 10, 2024
Estrada, originally drafted by the Yankees, spent most of his career on the west coast with the Giants, acting as a very solid member of their lineup. His best work there saw the Venezuelan infielder amass a combined 4.8 WAR from 2021 – 2023 before suffering a rough season last time out.
This past year, Estrada slashed just .217/.247.343 and saw his efficiency at the plate take a step backwards. That’s important, because his offensive capabilities are his strongest attributes – his defense has, historically, left much to be desired.
When comparing Estrada to the recently-departed Brendan Rodgers, their stats favor Rodgers somewhat heavily. The Rockies are doubtlessly hoping that Estrada can regain the form he showed in past seasons with San Fran and will bolster their lineup, which has lacked electricity in recent years.
Estrada likely heads into spring training as the favorite to man the keystone position on Opening Day, but we’ll see if newly-signed Kyle Farmer or the returning Aaron Schunk can make manager Bud Black’s decision a bit harder.