Throughout his time as the Braves’ general manager, Alex Anthopoulos has demonstrated a talent for making shrewd signings that often turn out to be unexpectedly impactful. It seems he may have pulled off another one. According to Francys Romero, the Braves are finalizing a minor-league contract with Yuli Gurriel, a two-time World Series champion.
Gurriel played a pivotal role in the Houston Astros’ formidable offense during his time with the team, winning two World Series titles. He joined the Astros in 2016 at the age of 32 after defecting from Cuba. His standout season came in 2019 when he boasted impressive stats, hitting .298 with 31 home runs, 104 RBIs, and an .884 OPS.
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However, Gurriel’s performance began to decline as he aged, particularly evident in his final season with the Astros in 2022, where he managed just eight home runs and a .647 OPS in 146 games. He then moved to the Marlins for the following season, where he posted similar numbers with a .663 OPS over 108 games.
Now at 39 years old, Gurriel is unlikely to be relied upon for extended periods by the Braves. Nevertheless, his wealth of playoff experience and versatility at first base make him a valuable addition. Given the unpredictable nature of injuries, as evidenced by current absences like Spencer Strider and Sean Murphy, having depth is crucial. Gurriel provides a reliable option to step in when needed, ensuring the team’s readiness for any unforeseen challenges.
