Aron Estrada may not be a household name for Orioles fans yet, but the 19-year-old switch-hitting infielder is making waves in the minor leagues after a breakout season with the Delmarva Shorebirds. While other prospects from the Orioles’ international signing class of 2022 have received more attention, Estrada’s 2024 performance has him emerging as a potential star.
Estrada’s season with the Low-A affiliate Delmarva was nothing short of impressive. Despite playing in a league dominated by young hitters struggling to make an impact, Estrada stood out with a stellar batting line of .296/.361/.434 across 91 games. The switch-hitter added eight home runs, swiped 31 bases, and kept his strikeout rate low at 16.8%, showing a maturity beyond his years.
One of the most remarkable stats to come from Estrada’s season is his 133 wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus), which adjusts performance based on league averages. Estrada’s number means he was 33% better than the average Carolina League hitter, and his numbers would have placed him second on the Orioles’ major league roster, trailing only rising star Gunnar Henderson.
His performance earned him a promotion to High-A Aberdeen for the final stretch of the season, where he held his own against older competition. In 26 games, he posted a .678 OPS—not eye-popping, but considering the competition, it was a solid effort for a teenager.
Despite his success, Estrada hasn’t yet garnered widespread attention in prospect rankings. He’s currently listed as #29 on MLB Pipeline’s ranking of Orioles prospects but is absent from lists by Baseball America and FanGraphs. One reason for the tempered hype is his size. At 5’8” and 142 lbs., Estrada will likely face skepticism as he climbs the minor league ranks, needing to bulk up and maintain his power.
However, Estrada’s versatility adds to his value. Primarily playing second base, he has also seen time at shortstop and in the outfield, showcasing his athleticism. While some may question his ability to stick at one position, his flexibility could turn him into a super-utility player in the future—an invaluable asset for any MLB team.
Looking ahead to 2025, Estrada will likely start the season with the Aberdeen IronBirds, continuing his development alongside other top prospects like Ethan Anderson, Griff O’Ferrall, and Leandro Arias. Although Arias may be ranked higher by scouts, Estrada’s 2024 campaign suggests he could soon surpass his peers if he continues on his current trajectory.
Orioles fans should keep an eye on Aron Estrada. While he may not have the name recognition of Jackson Holliday or other top prospects, his performance in 2024 proves that he has the potential to be a standout player in the Orioles’ system. Will he rise to the challenge and make his mark in the majors? Time will tell, but for now, he’s a name you’ll want to remember.
