Yuli Gurriel Stats
- Height / Weight
- 6' 0" / 215 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 6/9/1984 (38)
- Experience
- 4
- College
- None
Yuli Gurriel Season Stats
Last 10 Games
Yuli Gurriel News
Free-agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel isn't viewed as a certainty to sign with the Miami Marlins now after it was reported over the weekend that the two sides were progressing towards a deal, according to sources. Talks between the two sides have cooled in recent days, although that could change again. The Marlins have been focused on adding bats this offseason, but they could end up passing on the 38-year-old Cuban first baseman. If Gurriel did sign in Miami, he'd likely platoon at first base and designated hitter after having a down season with the Houston Astros in 2022. He also sprained the MCL in his knee in the World Series and probably doesn't have much left offensively as he approaches 40 years old.
It was reported over the weekend that free-agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel was moving toward a deal with the Miami Marlins, according to sources. The soon-to-be 39-year-old suffered a sprained right MCL in Game 5 of the World Series, although he should be ready to go for Opening Day in 2023. Gurriel's numbers dropped in his seventh big-league season in 2022, as he slashed .242/.288/.360 with a career-low .647 OPS, eight home runs, 53 RBI, 53 runs scored and eight stolen bases in 584 plate appearances and 146 games. Other than a 31-homer season in 2019, Gurriel hasn't been much of a power hitter and would be moving to a pitcher-friendly park in Miami while also serving in a platoon at first base/designated hitter.
The Miami Marlins have had talks with free-agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel, according to a source. If signed by the Marlins, Gurriel could potentially share time at the cold corner with Garrett Cooper. General manager Kim Ng and Gurriel have spoken directly, but it remains to be seen if the Fish will actually sign the former Houston Astro. The 38-year-old veteran suffered an MCL sprain of his right knee during the World Series, but he should be fine for spring training and the start of 2023. Gurriel has never been a big power guy -- he's gone over 18 home runs in a season just once in his seven big-league seasons -- and showed some decline in 2022 with a .242/.288/.360 slash line, .647 OPS, eight home runs, 53 RBI, 53 runs scored and a career-high eight stolen bases in 146 games. Gurriel's fantasy stock would drop further with a move to Miami in a part-time role.
Yuli Gurriel Stats
Last 10 Games
Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel is coming off his worst season as a big leaguer, posting a pitiful .232/.274/.384 triple slash along with a 79 wRC+ in 230 PA. Nonetheless, Houston elected to bring him back on a one-year deal and give him the opportunity to bounce back as the starting first baseman. Despite a poor 2020 showing, there's reason to believe a rebound is possible for Gurriel. His .232 BA is primarily the result of hard luck, as Gurriel's .235 BABIP is by far the lowest of his career. His strikeout rate remained superb at 11.7% despite his age, and his .268 xBA isn't too far off his career .277 xBA. His 89.3 MPH average exit velocity and 13.9-degree average launch angle are both on par with his career marks as well. Gurriel will likely never reach the power numbers he saw in 2019 again, as his 31 homers and .243 ISO look like the product of a juiced ball and a 15.6% HR/FB ratio, which is nearly double his career HR/FB ratio outside of 2019. First base isn't as loaded with sluggers as it once was, and Gurriel offers late round stability at the position, something especially valuable in deep leagues and AL-Only leagues. He doesn't offer the same ceiling as the youngsters going around him such as Bobby Dalbec or Andrew Vaughn, but Gurriel's floor is much higher. He's a quiet bounce back candidate that could help with batting average and RBI.
