Padres signs the former Astros World Series Champion Yuli Gurriel: Report

The San Diego Padres concludes a contract with the experienced infielder Yuli Gurriel Pro MLB insider Francys Romero.

According to Romero, Gurriel has a “strong chance” to make the opening day.

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The 40-year-old Gurriel is a two-time World Series champion of the Houston Astros. He is also a unique winner of the Gold Glove Award on the first basis.

Jon Heyman from New York Post said it was a Minor League deal for Gurriel. However, if he makes the majors, he receives an offer of 1.25 million US dollars plus $ 1 million.

Gurriel joins the team at spring training.

Gurriel was at the Astros from 2016 to 22 and has bounced off in the league in the past two years. In 2023 he scored in 108 games with the Miami Marlins .245. In 2024 he scored in 18 games with the Kansas City Royals .241.

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From 2016 to 22, Gurriel played a key role in the two World Series championships in Astros. In his seven seasons in Houston, Gurriel .284/.328/.448 with 94 homes and 435 runs in 801 games. With 104 RBIs in 2019, he met 31 Homeruns in a career and led the American League with an average value of 0.319 in 2021.

Gurriel is mainly a first Baseman, but he also has experience with the third basis and the second basis with very minimal experience in shortstop and in the outer field. In the last seasons he only played the first basis where he was a below -average defender.

Gurriel brings many championship experiences after playing 92 after season games in 20 series. He has a career of .746 OPS in the World Series, with three Homeruns and 12 runs.

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