Throughout his tenure as Braves general manager, Alex Anthopoulos has consistently demonstrated an aptitude for making strategic small signings that often yield significant contributions. And once again, he appears to have struck gold. According to reports by Francys Romero, the Braves are finalizing a minor-league deal with Yuli Gurriel, a two-time World Series champion.
Gurriel played a pivotal role in the Houston Astros’ powerhouse offense during their World Series triumphs, joining the team in 2016 after defecting from Cuba at the age of 32. His standout season came in 2019, boasting impressive stats with a .298 batting average, 31 home runs, 104 RBIs, and an .884 OPS.
However, as Gurriel aged, his performance began to wane, particularly evident in his last season with the Astros in 2022, where he registered just eight homers and a .647 OPS in 146 games. Last season with the Marlins yielded similar results, further indicating a decline in his playing abilities.
Now at 39 years old, the Braves likely won’t heavily rely on Gurriel for extended periods. Nevertheless, his wealth of playoff experience and versatility in playing first base could prove invaluable, especially considering the unpredictable nature of injuries. With players like Spencer Strider out for the year and Sean Murphy facing an extended absence due to injury, Gurriel’s presence adds depth to the roster, offering a reliable option in times of need.