Marco Estrada
Blue Jays Career (2015-2018): 124 games, 39 wins, 4.25 ERA, 2016 All-Star, 2X H/9 leader
Marco Estrada was an unheralded hero during his time in Toronto. Going into 2015, he was more of an afterthought looking at the arms the Blue Jays had to offer. Estrada was acquired in a trade with the Brewers the offseason prior in exchange for Adam Lind. He started the season in the bullpen and eventually made it into the rotation early on. What followed was dominance, an elite changeup, and clutch playoff performances.
Estrada took a step back in 2017, pitching to a 4.98 ERA and just not having much consistency to speak of. The year that followed was more frustrating, as Estrada pitched poorly between back issues and continued to struggle on the mound. Estrada became a free agent that following offseason and go on to sign a one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics. More injury issues followed him, and he was released in August after posting a 6.85 ERA in just 5 total starts.
Marco Estrada retired following his injury plagued 2019 season. He will be remembered as a class act in the Blue Jays organization, a face of the 2015-2016 playoff teams, and one of the best finesse arms in recent memory for the team.