THAIRO ESTRADA COULD BE BACK IN THE BRONX!

According to Mark Feinsand, the Yankees are considering a reunion with Thairo Estrada, a player with history in pinstripes who could provide affordable depth and competition at second base. Estrada, who was with the Yankees from 2019 to 2020, has spent the past few years showcasing his skills with the San Francisco Giants before hitting free agency this offseason.

Estrada's time in the Bronx was brief, and he never managed to secure a starting role. Quite honestly, he had no shot. The Yankees traded him to San Francisco in 2021, where he finally found his stride. With the Giants, Estrada blossomed into a versatile defender with surprising speed and sneaky power, tallying 15-homer potential and 20-steal capability during his best seasons. Even though his 2024 campaign was underwhelming (.217/.247/.343 with nine homers in 96 games), the 28-year-old's track record suggests he can still be a valuable piece for a team in need of a second baseman.

Estrada checks several boxes for New York:

1. Familiarity with the Organization: Having come up through the Yankees system, Estrada knows the team’s culture and expectations. He wouldn’t require a steep learning curve to adjust to the Bronx spotlight.
2. Affordability: Estrada isn’t expected to command a hefty contract, making him an appealing option for a team looking to address multiple offseason needs without breaking the bank.
3. MLB Experience: Unlike unproven prospects, Estrada brings some big-league experience and versatility, offering a dependable floor at second base.

With Gleyber Torres gone, the Yankees are exploring all options to fill the keystone position. Prospect Caleb Durbin is likely to compete for the spot, but Estrada’s versatility and experience could make him a favorite to secure the role if a high-profile star isn’t brought in and if Estrada becomes a Yankee again.

While Estrada’s most recent stats don’t leap off the page, his 2022 and 2023 performances—where he was an above-average hitter—prove his potential. Most importantly, he’s a low-risk option for a team that needs flexibility in my opinion.

In a game where bargains can turn into game-changers and as you know the Yankees love to do that, Estrada might just be the perfect fit to bring back to the Bronx.