Orioles Add Thairo Estrada for Infield Depth After Westburg Injury

The Baltimore Orioles have picked up veteran infielder Thairo Estrada on a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. They’re hoping to shore up their infield while Jordan Westburg recovers from an elbow injury.

This move feels like a classic low-risk, high-upside play. Estrada’s a versatile veteran who could slot in anywhere if things get dicey.

Estrada Joins the Orioles on a Low-Risk, High-Reward Deal

Estrada, now 30, played 39 games for the Colorado Rockies in 2025 and hit .253. Colorado declined his mutual option for 2026 and paid him a $750,000 buyout, so Estrada hit free agency instead of heading to Triple-A.

The Orioles snapped him up, adding infield depth without locking themselves into anything long-term.

He mostly played second base last year, but has also covered shortstop, third base, and even the outfield. That fits what Baltimore needs right now, especially with Westburg sidelined.

Estrada’s Career Background and 2025 Story

Estrada broke in with the New York Yankees back in 2019, then spent 2021–24 with the San Francisco Giants. He hit a career-best 14 home runs in both 2022 and 2023.

His 2025 season was rough—he fractured his right wrist on a hit-by-pitch in March, strained his right thumb in July, and then a hamstring strain ended his year in August. When Colorado let him walk, he landed in Baltimore, hoping for another shot at the majors.

What Estrada Brings to Baltimore

Estrada’s logged innings all over the field, so he gives the Orioles a steady bench option. He can step in at second or shortstop when needed.

That kind of flexibility matters, especially with the infield in flux. He hits left-handed and might chip in as a pinch-runner or in spot starts.

• Defensive versatility: he’s handled second base, shortstop, third base, and even some outfield.
• Offensive track record: 14 homers in both 2022 and 2023 with the Giants—he’s got some pop for a depth guy.
• Major-league breadth: he’s been with the Yankees, Giants, and Rockies, so he knows how to adapt to new teams and pitching staffs.
• Role clarity: lefty bat, can pinch-hit or fill in as needed.

Implications for Orioles’ Depth Chart

With Westburg out, there’s a real hole in the middle infield and at third base. Estrada’s arrival gives manager Brandon Hyde more ways to juggle the lineup while Westburg heals.

This minor-league contract and spring training invite let Estrada compete for a bench spot. If he hits and plays solid defense, he could stick around. Baltimore doesn’t have much to lose here—they’re giving themselves options and don’t have to rush Westburg back if his rehab drags on.

Spring Training Path and the Road to the 26-Man Roster

In camp, Estrada will audition for a role that might include occasional starts at second and shortstop. He could also cover the corner outfield in a pinch.

How he performs will decide if he breaks with the team or sticks around as depth at Triple-A. For Baltimore, the spring invite leaves the door open for him to make the roster as a flexible option who can step in, no long-term commitment required.

Estrada brings steady contact at the plate and can handle multiple positions, which fits what Baltimore needs right now. If he stays healthy and proves he can move around the diamond, maybe he becomes something more for the Orioles down the line.

 
Here is the source article for this story: O’s add Estrada for depth after Westburg injury