Right‑hander Lazaro Estrada is back in Toronto, signing a fresh minor‑league contract according to Baseball America’s Matt Eddy. He entered free agency after being designated for assignment and cleared the 40‑man roster in August.
The 27‑year‑old spent his entire professional career in the Blue Jays system since signing from Cuba in 2018. Two big‑league appearances in 2025 and 13 innings across eight games this year finally materialized. A shoulder impingement landed him on the injured list for roughly two and a half months, extending his service time despite not pitching. For my money, his perseverance paid off.
In 20 1/3 major‑league innings, Estrada posted a 6.64 ERA with a 20.7% strikeout rate and a 12% walk rate. His Triple‑A numbers include a 5.06 ERA, 23.25% strikeouts and a 7.88% walk rate over 133 1/3 innings, 24 of his 44 outings coming as a starter.
The Jays have used him exclusively out of the bullpen, occasionally in a bulk role, and he’ll likely serve as depth, ready for a call‑up when the rotation needs a fresh arm. With one minor‑league option year left, Toronto can shuttle him up to five times in 2026 under current rules. Will the club keep him as a flexible arm beyond next season?