The renowned Cuban baseball player, Yulieski Gurriel, has inked a deal with the San Diego Padres for the 2025 MLB season. Journalist Francys Romero revealed that the seasoned player, now 40, has a strong chance of making the Opening Day roster, marking a new chapter in his already illustrious career in the "Big Show."
Romero broke the news on social media, and later, Jon Heyman from the New York Post elaborated on the contract details. The agreement amounts to $1.25 million if Gurriel plays in the Majors, with the potential to earn an additional million through incentives. The contract also includes an invitation to the Padres' spring training camp.
Despite being four decades old, "Yuli" continues to compete at the highest level, even after spending most of the 2024 season in Triple-A with the Atlanta Braves. In 75 games for Atlanta's affiliate, he posted impressive offensive stats: a .292 batting average, a .378 on-base percentage, and an OPS of .863, along with 18 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 38 runs scored.
Although he didn't play for the Braves in MLB, his performance paved the way for an unexpected return with the Kansas City Royals, where he secured a starting position and played in the postseason before the team was eliminated by the New York Yankees.
Gurriel, who made his MLB debut with the Houston Astros in 2016, has been a standout Cuban figure in the league despite starting his MLB journey in his 30s. Over nine seasons, he has donned the uniforms of Houston, the Miami Marlins, Kansas City, and now San Diego. He boasts a career average of .280, with 952 hits, 225 doubles, eight triples, 98 home runs, 468 RBIs, and 439 runs scored across 927 games, according to ESPN statistics.
His impact on the league has been profound, having claimed World Series titles with the Astros in 2017 and 2022, along with a batting title and a Gold Glove. Now, with the Padres, Gurriel aims to further his legacy and prove that his talent remains undiminished in the highly competitive MLB.
Yulieski Gurriel's Career and New Opportunity
What are the details of Yulieski Gurriel's contract with the San Diego Padres?
Gurriel's contract with the Padres is worth $1.25 million if he plays in the Majors, with the potential to earn up to an additional million through performance incentives. He has also been invited to the spring training camp.
How did Yulieski Gurriel perform in the 2024 season?
In the 2024 season, Gurriel played in Triple-A with the Atlanta Braves, achieving a .292 batting average, .378 on-base percentage, and an OPS of .863, along with 18 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 38 runs scored in 75 games.
What achievements has Yulieski Gurriel had in MLB?
Yulieski Gurriel has won World Series titles with the Houston Astros in 2017 and 2022, earned a batting title, and received a Gold Glove. He has been a key Cuban figure in MLB since his debut in 2016.