Veteran first baseman Yuli Gurriel has found a new home, signing a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The 40-year-old Gurriel was acquired by the Kansas City Royals in August and appeared in 18 games for Kansas City batting .241/.338/.296. Heyman reports that the deal will pay Gurriel $1.25 million if he makes the major league roster and contains up to $1 million in incentives.
Yuli Gurriel to the Padres. $1.25M if in majors plus $1M incentives. MLB camp invite.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 17, 2025
Report: Veteran Infielder Yuli Gurriel Signs With Padres
Best known for his time with the Houston Astros, Gurriel is a two-time World Series champion, Gold Glove winner, and a former American League batting champion. Gurriel is the fifth player in MLB history to have won both an Olympic gold medal and a World Series championship. Over his nine MLB seasons, the 40-year-old has established himself as one of the most consistent contact hitters in baseball. Gurriel owns a career .280/.326/.438 slash line with 952 hits, 98 home runs, 468 RBI, and a .764 OPS. Nicknamed “La Piña,” the Cuban-born infielder has a knack for coming through in clutch situations, especially in the postseason.
After parting ways with the Astros following the 2022 World Series, Gurriel signed a one-year deal with the Miami Marlins. He batted .245/.304/.359 with four home runs and 27 RBI in 108 games for Miami. Gurriel signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves for 2024 and played 75 games for Triple-A Gwinnett before the Braves dealt him to Kansas City.
While he may not be in the same category as Pete Alonso or Christian Walker, Gurriel gives the Padres another right-handed bat capable of making hard contact. What he brings to San Diego, however, goes beyond his offensive skill set. Primarily a first baseman, Gurriel spent the majority of his career in Cuba at third base and has drawn starts across the infield. His Gold Glove defense combined with his postseason experience makes him a valuable addition to the Padres roster whether as a depth piece or an everyday player.
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