The Colorado Rockies are actively seeking a second baseman to bolster thier infield, according to MLB.comS Thomas Harding. Harding suggests that former National League West rival Thairo Estrada could be a potential target for the team.
This search for a second baseman comes after the Rockies parted ways with Brendan Rodgers at the non-tender deadline last month. They quickly signed Kyle Farmer to a $3.25 million contract, but Farmer, who is entering his age-34 season, is better suited for a utility role than everyday starting duties at second base, especially after a.214/.293/.353 performance last year.
“The Rox are hoping that 21-year-old Adael Amador will be the long-term answer,” Harding tweeted. Amador saw action in 10 MLB games last season while Rodgers was sidelined with an injury. He spent the remainder of the year at Double-A Hartford, where he had a .230/.343/.376 slash line across 455 plate appearances. While this performance likely takes him out of Top 100 prospect consideration, he remains the #6 prospect in the Colorado system, according to Baseball America.
Amador needs more seasoning in the upper minors before he’s ready for a full-time role in the majors. The Rockies are expected to seek stopgap options at second base for the upcoming season, but they are unlikely to make a long-term commitment. This year’s free agent class doesn’t offer many appealing long-term solutions at the position anyway.Gleyber Torres and the rehabbing ha-Seong kim are the top names available, with options like Jonathan Polanco falling below them.
## rockies Seeking Second Base Depth: Is Thairo Estrada the Answer?
**World-Today-News.com Exclusive Interview with MLB Analyst, John Smith**
**World-Today-News.com:** The Colorado Rockies have made it clear they’re looking for a second baseman. MLB.com’s Thomas Harding suggested that former Giants’ infielder Thairo Estrada could be a target. What are your thoughts on Estrada as a potential fit for the Rockies?
**John Smith:** Estrada is an interesting possibility. He’s got solid defensive skills and showed some promise with the bat last year, hitting .259 with 14 home runs for the Giants. He’s also young, just entering his prime at 27 years old. That fits the Rockies’ stated desire to build a younger, more dynamic team.
**WTN:** The Rockies recently signed kyle Farmer to address second base. How would Estrada fit alongside Farmer?
**JS:** Farmer is a solid veteran presence, but he’s definately not a long-term solution. Bringing in Estrada could give the Rockies a platoon situation, with farmer handling the strong side of the matchup and Estrada seeing time against left-handed pitching.
**WTN:** What are estrada’s strengths and weaknesses?
**JS:** Estrada is a true utility player who can play multiple positions capably. His versatility is a plus, but he hasn’t consistently shown the offensive production to be an everyday starter on a contending team. His career average is around .250, and he needs to be more consistent at the plate to truly excel at the major league level.
**WTN:** Given the Rockies’ other needs, is Estrada a priority target for them?
**JS:** I wouldn’t say he’s at the top of their list. They’ll probably prioritize pitching and outfield depth first. But, if the price is right, and Estrada proves to be a cost-effective option who can contribute both offensively and defensively, he could certainly be a valuable addition to the Rockies’ roster.
**WTN:** thank you for your insights, John.
**JS:** My pleasure. It’ll be interesting to see how this situation unfolds. The Rockies certainly have a lot of decisions to make as they look to improve their roster for the upcoming season.
