Orioles sign veteran Thairo Estrada to minor-league deal after infield injuries

Veteran infielder Thairo Estrada signed a minor-league contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Feb. 23, 2026, the club announced after spring-training developments created an immediate need in the infield. The organization framed the addition as a response to injuries in its middle-infield and third-base depth chart, calling out Jordan Wes as the most notable injured player prompting the move.

Baltimore made the transaction public two days before the current date, signaling urgency during the early stages of spring training. By bringing Estrada in on a minor-league deal, the Orioles added a veteran option who can be worked into the organization while the club continues to evaluate the health of its infield group during exhibition games and practices.

The signing is explicitly connected to the club’s infield availability. With injuries affecting middle infielders and third-base options, the roster picture at Triple-A and in camp shifted enough that the front office pursued Estrada on Feb. 23. The club described the transaction as linked to those spring-training injuries rather than as a separate depth move unrelated to current player health.

Estrada’s arrival gives Baltimore fresh insurance through the minor-league ranks as the club monitors recovery timelines for the injured players, including Jordan Wes. The minor-league contract buys the organization time to assess whether the injured infielders will be ready for the regular season or whether additional moves will be necessary ahead of Opening Day.

The Orioles’ announcement on Feb. 23 closes a short-term gap created by spring-training setbacks and sets a clear priority for camp: evaluate injured middle-infield and third-base candidates while integrating a veteran infielder into the depth picture. The club will continue updating the status of the injured players and Estrada’s role as spring training progresses.