Thairo Estrada Thriving Offensively in First Season with Rockies

Thairo Estrada Mashes at Coors Field

Estrada was an absolute Rockies killer for the rival San Francisco Giants from 2021-24. So, if you can’t beat them, sign them. Veteran second baseman Brendan Rodgers‘ time in Colorado had run its course. After failing to trade him, Rodgers was non-tendered this offseason, leaving a void at second base. In one of their few free-agent signings of the offseason, the Rockies signed Estrada to a one-year deal worth $4 million guaranteed. On paper, this seemed like a great signing for Colorado.

In 36 games at Coors Field, Estrada is hitting .326/.374/.511 with an .885 OPS over 156 plate appearances. He has recorded 46 hits, including nine doubles, five home runs, and 29 RBI. Estrada playing at Coors full-time was a perfect marriage. Rodgers was solid offensively for the Rockies over six seasons, hitting .266 with 45 home runs and 197 RBI. But Estrada potentially offers a higher ceiling offensively. He is also a threat on the bases. Rodgers has one career stolen base, while Estrada had 44 combined steals over 2022-23.

Estrada provided a different look for the Rockies. He would serve as the perfect veteran stopgap for the Rockies while Adael Amador develops. In the meantime, a career season offensively could help Estrada earn a big payday in the offseason. It took a minute, but the vision both sides had for this deal is bearing fruit.

Estrada in Best Stretch of Season

Finally healthy, Estrada gave the Rockies consistent offense throughout June. He hit .305/.330/.415 with a .744 OPS over 82 at-bats. The production was not where Estrada wanted it to be quite yet, but that would come. The important thing was his ability to consistently get on base, a trait that the Rockies’ offense sorely missed in the first couple weeks of the season.

Now, Estrada is in the midst of his best offensive stretch of the season. The production is starting to show up, too. Per Statmuse, over his last 15 games, Estrada has hit .383 with 23 hits, two homers, 13 RBI, and five runs scored. During this stretch, Estrada has recorded at least two hits in eight games. In two home games on Wednesday, July 2 and Thursday, July 3, Estrada tortured the Houston Astros’ pitching staff. In eight at-bats, he recorded six hits with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. This included a crucial two-out RBI single in the 7th inning to give the Rockies a 7-5 lead in an eventual 7-6 win against the Astros on Thursday.

Rockies’ manager Warren Schaeffer praised Estrada’s recent play postgame and alluded that he was thankful Estrada changed his Giants orange for Rockies purple this offseason.

“I mean the two-run homer, four quality at-bats, just putting the ball in play to score that run in the third inning,” said Schaeffer. “This is what Thairo has been doing for a while now, that’s the Thairo Estrada we know, and we’ve played against for years with the Giants.” “He’s just a really good baseball player, I’ve been saying it for a long time, you guys are seeing it.”

Vision for Rockies Offense Taking Shape

It was fair to wonder about Estrada finding success with the Rockies after his injury in spring training. It was par for the course for the often snake-bitten Rockies. But Estrada has been all the Rockies could have hoped for in his first full month with the team. Amador was rushed into a regular role at second base with Estrada injured. He was not ready, hitting a paltry .146 in 89 at-bats in Estrada’s absence. Since Estrada’s return, he has turned second base from a negative into a positive for the Rockies while giving Amador crucial time to develop in Triple-A.

Estrada could not have started July better after a great June. He already has five RBI to start the month and has matched his homer total (1) from June. With Major League Baseball entering the hottest days of summer, it is the perfect time for Estrada to continue his hot stretch.

All-Star candidate Hunter Goodman has been otherworldly offensively for the Rockies, leading the club in almost every offensive category. Utility player Tyler Freeman has been a boon offensively since coming over in the Nolan Jones trade. Star shortstop Ezequiel Tovar is going out on a rehab assignment after an extended stay on the injured list. Jordan Beck and Mickey Moniak are providing solid play in the outfield while Brenton Doyle continues to try and work out of a prolonged slump.

The offense the Rockies envisioned in the offseason is materializing. Thairo Estrada was a big part of that vision, and he is doing his part. The result has been a more competitive ball club that is working to put the first two months of the season behind them. Estrada is one of the top weapons for this offense when healthy. Now, he is healthy, and the best is yet to come.