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New Wild Things catcher knows Frontier League

By Chris Dugan 2 min read
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The Wild Things have added a well-traveled catcher who will be playing for his fifth Frontier League team this summer.

Washington announced Tuesday the signing of veteran Willie Estrada, a right-handed hitter who was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Kissimmee, Fla.

Estrada played last season with the Trois-Rivieres Aigles. Appearing in 65 games, Estrada batted .319 with seven home runs and 34 RBI. He becomes the third catcher under contract with Washington, joining Jake Washer, who had his team option exercised, and Jommer Hernandez, who was signed last month.

After playing at Southeastern University in Florida, where he was named the top defensive catcher in the NAIA, Estrada signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. He did not appear in any minor-league games for the Phillies and was released during the pandemic in 2020 that cancelled the minor-league season.

Estrada made his pro debut in 2021 with Sussex County, appearing in only 10 games. He spent 2022 with the homeless Empire State Greys, and in 2023 faced the Wild Things numerous times as a member of the West Division-rival Gateway Grizzlies. Estrada hit six home runs and batted .259 in 59 games with Gateway.

Estrada threw out 17 percent of opposing base stealers with Trois-Rivieres after throwing out 33 percent – third-best in the league — with Gateway in 2023 and 35 percent for Empire State.

Though a catcher, Estrada has played first base, third base and the outfield in his pro career.

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