Just hours after the Giants dismissed manager Gabe Kapler, the organization celebrated second baseman Thairo Estrada, handing him their highest single-season honor.
On the field scores of former winners stood behind Estrada. The Oracle Park crowd rose for an ovation as Renel Brooks-Moon announced him as the 2023 winner.
Estrada, 27, led the Giants in stolen bases and doubles while matching his career-high with 14 home runs (with three games to go). He vastly improved his defense and grew as a leader, at one point leading a team meeting.
In a speech, translated by the team’s director of Spanish communications Erwin Higueros, Estrada thanked his teammates, family and the fans.
Willie McCovey’s wife and daughter presented the award. The coveted distinction is bestowed annually to the player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership McCovey showed as a Giant.
Estrada was one of president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi’s shrewdest moves. The Giants acquired the infielder from the Yankees before the 2021 season for cash considerations. Since then, he has played 309 games, 7.9 wins above replacement, per Fangraphs.
Estrada follows Wilmer Flores as the incumbent winner. Past Willie Mac Award recipients still with the Giants include LaMonte Wade Jr., Brandon Crawford and Mike Yastrzemski.
In a season that devolved from legitimate postseason contention to a September collapse — and substantial changes coming — Estrada was a true bright spot.
