Blue Jays sign Estrada to one-year extension

Marco Estrada has signed a one-year contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays that will keep him with the club through the 2018 season. Photo Credit: Jay Blue

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays and Marco Estrada have come to terms on a one-year, $13-million contract extension designed to keep the 34-year-old hurler in Toronto through the 2018 season.

Having first come north as part of the deal that sent first baseman/designated hitter Adam Lind to the Milwaukee Brewers in advance of the 2015 season, Estrada has pitched to an overall ERA of 3.81 with 466 strikeouts against 187 walks over 94 games - 88 of which have been starts.

Those totals include a 2015 season that saw the native of Sonora, Mexico establish career-bests in WHIP (1.044), H9 (6.7), ERA (3.13) and wins with 13. Numbers impressive enough to have him finish 10th in American League Cy Young Award voting while commanding a two-year,  $26M contract that November.

It's been a tale of two Marco's in 2017 as, in his third season with Toronto, the veteran hurler has experienced both the highs similar to his previous work up north and the harsh realities brought on by general inconsistencies.

Although Estrada got out of the gate well, his ERA had ballooned to 5.52 by mid-July, which lead some to believe that the veteran hurler was, at times, tipping his pitches during starts.

Despite his recent struggles, the well-known changeup artist's overall pedigree and knack for coming up big in postseason situations kept his name in the mix as various trade rumors swirled up until the July 31st non-waiver deadline.

Remaining in Toronto, Estrada has recorded an ERA of 3.75 while going at least six innings in seven of his ten starts dating back to the deadline.

Wednesday's announcement will help offset some of the Blue Jays needs as they enter what promises to be a busy offseason for the club.

Should no further trades/starting pitching acquisitions take place between now and next April, Estrada will join Marcus Stroman, J.A. Happ and, barring any further major blister issues, Aaron Sanchez in the Blue Jays rotation next season. Joe Biagini and a handful of other names including both Sean Reid-Foley and Ryan Borucki will likely compete for the final spot in the Blue Jays' rotation next spring.

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