The imposing and hard-throwing Estrada has the most experience among the Bears’ pitching staff and should be one of the team’s aces of the starting rotation. Drafted in the 31st round of the 2004 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs, Estrada spent the better part of five seasons with the Cubs’ organization, advancing all the way to Class AAA Iowa on two occasions in 2008 and 2009. He was the workhorse of the rotation at Class A Peoria in 2005, winning six games in 27 starts, pitching 151 innings with a 5.35 ERA. Estrada posted a 3-0 record with a 5.36 ERA in 22 games for Class AAA Iowa in 2008. Estrada spent some of the 2010 season with Potomac (Class A Washington Nationals-Carolina League) as well as playing independent ball in the American Association for Grand Prairie and El Paso. Has a career minor league record of 29-28 over six seasons.