Rockies Sign Thairo Estrada to One-Year Deal

The Colorado Rockies have made a key addition to their infield, agreeing to a one-year, $3.25 million contract with infielder Thairo Estrada, as reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The deal includes a mutual option for 2026 with a $750K buyout. Should either party decline the mutual option, the Rockies can still retain Estrada through arbitration for one more year, thanks to his Super Two status.


Estrada, who will turn 29 in February, started his MLB career with the New York Yankees before finding his stride with the San Francisco Giants following a trade in 2021. He quickly became a valuable player for the Giants, showcasing a league-average bat, impressive speed, and versatile defensive skills. Over 312 games from 2021 to 2023, Estrada posted a solid .266/.320/.416 slash line with a 105 wRC+, 45 stolen bases, and accumulated 7.4 wins above replacement (WAR) according to FanGraphs.


However, the 2024 season proved challenging for Estrada. He endured two stints on the injured list due to a sprained wrist, and although he only missed a few weeks, he was reportedly playing through pain for much of the season. This impacted his performance at the plate, where he struggled with a .217/.247/.343 slash line and a 64 wRC+ over 96 games. Despite his defensive prowess, evidenced by 9 Outs Above Average at second base, the Giants decided to outright him to Triple-A at the end of August, leading Estrada to elect free agency after the season.


The Rockies are banking on Estrada's ability to bounce back and provide depth and versatility to their infield. With a fresh start in Colorado, he has the opportunity to regain his form and contribute both offensively and defensively. His experience and skill set make him a valuable addition to the Rockies' roster as they look to improve their performance in the upcoming season.