40 Facts About Yuli Gurriel

Yuli Gurriel: A Cuban Baseball Star

Yuli Gurriel's journey from Cuba to Major League Baseball (MLB) is a story of perseverance and talent. His career has been marked by numerous achievements and milestones. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this remarkable player.

1. Birthplace and Date: Yuli Gurriel was born in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, on June 9, 1984.

2. Defection from Cuba: In 2016, Gurriel defected from Cuba and made his way to the United States, where he eventually signed with the Houston Astros.

3. Major League Debut: Gurriel made his Major League Baseball debut on August 21, 2016, with the Houston Astros.

4. Cuban Baseball Heritage: As a Cuban player, Gurriel is part of a long tradition of talented baseball players from the island, including notable figures like José Abreu and Aroldis Chapman.

Career with the Houston Astros

Gurriel's time with the Houston Astros has been nothing short of spectacular. He has contributed significantly to the team's success over the years.

5. Astros Career: Gurriel spent the majority of his career with the Houston Astros, playing for the team from 2016 to 2022.

6. Positions Played: Gurriel primarily plays as a first baseman and third baseman, showcasing his versatility in the field.

7. Batting Style: He bats right-handed and throws right-handed, which has been a significant factor in his success at the plate.

8. Height and Weight: Gurriel stands at 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs 215 pounds (97 kg).

Impressive Statistics and Achievements

Gurriel's stats and accolades speak volumes about his skills and dedication to the game.

9. Career Statistics: As of 2023, Gurriel has played in over 1,000 games, with a career batting average of .285, 120 home runs, and 450 runs batted in (RBIs).

10. Batting Titles: In 2021, Gurriel won the American League batting title with a .319 average, a remarkable achievement for a player in his late 30s.

11. Gold Glove Award: In 2021, Gurriel received the Gold Glove Award for his exceptional defensive skills at first base.

12. World Series Rings: Gurriel won two World Series championships with the Houston Astros in 2017 and 2022, cementing his place in the team's history.

13. Playoff Performance: During the 2022 postseason, Gurriel hit .348 with two home runs and four RBIs before suffering a knee injury that forced him out of the World Series.

New Beginnings with the Miami Marlins

After his successful stint with the Astros, Gurriel embarked on a new chapter with the Miami Marlins.

14. Contract with Miami Marlins: In 2023, Gurriel signed with the Miami Marlins, marking a new chapter in his career.

15. Minor League Deal: Initially, Gurriel's contract with the Marlins was reported to be a minor league deal, indicating a potential role as a bench player or depth addition.

16. Astros Roster Changes: The signing of José Abreu in 2020 led to the Astros not retaining Gurriel, as they needed to address the first base position with a younger player.

17. Astros Roster Dynamics: Despite his departure, Gurriel remains a beloved figure in Houston, with several players and fans expressing their appreciation for his contributions to the team.

Career Milestones and Records

Throughout his career, Gurriel has achieved several milestones and set records that highlight his exceptional talent.

18. Spring Training Matchups: The Astros and Marlins will face each other multiple times during Spring Training, providing an opportunity for Gurriel to face his former teammates.

19. Career Milestones: Gurriel achieved several career milestones, including hitting his 100th home run and reaching 1,000 games played in the MLB.

20. Batting Records: In 2017, Gurriel set Astros rookie records for doubles (43), total bases (257), and slugging percentage (.485).

21. Double Play Record: On August 19, 2017, Gurriel participated in six double plays in a single game at Minute Maid Park, tying the American League record for most double plays by a first baseman in a game.

22. Career Average: Gurriel’s career batting average is .285, with significant spikes in his performance during certain seasons, such as his .319 average in 2021.

23. Home Runs and RBIs: As of 2023, Gurriel has hit 120 home runs and driven in 450 RBIs throughout his career.

24. Walks and Strikeouts: Gurriel is known for his ability to avoid striking out and walking frequently, which has contributed to his consistent performance at the plate.

25. Versatility: Despite being primarily a first baseman, Gurriel has shown versatility by playing third base and handling any base position effectively.

Joining the Atlanta Braves

In 2024, Gurriel took another step in his career by signing with the Atlanta Braves.

26. Atlanta Braves Signing: In 2024, Gurriel signed with the Atlanta Braves, providing a glimmer of hope for veteran free agents seeking teams despite his age and declining performance.

27. Atlanta Roster Dynamics: The Braves' roster is already loaded with talented players, including Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Orlando Arcia, making Gurriel's role uncertain.

28. Potential Bench Role: Gurriel might see limited playing time or serve as a bench player for the Braves, given the team's depth at infield positions.

29. Minor League Depth: His signing bolsters the Braves' minor league depth and provides insurance against injury at either infield corner on the major league club.

Legacy and Impact

Gurriel's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He has inspired countless fans and players with his dedication, work ethic, and cultural significance as a Cuban player in the MLB.

30. Impressive Resume: Gurriel’s impressive resume includes a Gold Glove in 2021 and World Series rings in 2017 and 2022, all with the Houston Astros.

31. Family Ties: Gurriel’s older brother, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., is also a professional baseball player and has been assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

32. Financial Terms: The financial terms of Gurriel’s contract with the Braves have not been announced, but it is unlikely he will come close to his peak salary of $14.4 million in 2017 or even last year’s $1.25 million.

33. Other Free Agents: Other unsigned free agents, such as Wil Myers, AJ Pollock, Jonathan Schoop, Jean Segura, Zack Greinke, Brad Hand, Aaron Loup, Mark Melancon, Noah Syndergaard, and Vince Velasquez, may also face financial constraints if they wish to continue their careers.

34. Trevor Bauer’s Situation: Trevor Bauer, a controversial pitcher who won a Cy Young Award and ERA title with the 2020 Reds, has expressed his willingness to work for the major league minimum if his contract contains incentives. Bauer’s return to professional baseball remains uncertain due to his suspension and financial losses.

Career Highlights and Cuban Baseball Legacy

Gurriel's career highlights and his legacy in Cuban baseball are a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.

35. Career Highlights: Some of Gurriel’s career highlights include hitting .262 in his rookie season, .299 in 2017, .291 in 2018, .298 in 2019, .232 in 2020, and .319 in 2021.

36. CNS Career Stats: In the Cuban National Series (CNS), Gurriel had a .340 average, 320 doubles, 257 home runs, and 643 walks to only 434 strikeouts in 1,185 games.

37. Cuban Baseball Legacy: Gurriel’s success in the MLB is part of a broader legacy of Cuban baseball players who have made significant contributions to the sport globally.

38. Astros Franchise History: Gurriel became the eighth Cuban-born player in Astros franchise history, joining Roman Mejias, Mike Cuellar, Aurelio Monteagudo, Marty Martinez, Sandy Valdespino, Oscar Zamora, and Raul Valdes.

39. Astros Rookie Records: In 2017, Gurriel set Astros rookie records for doubles (43), total bases (257), extra-base hits (62), and slugging percentage (.485).

40. Legacy and Impact: Yuli Gurriel’s legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He has inspired countless fans and players with his dedication, work ethic, and cultural significance as a Cuban player in the MLB.

Yuli Gurriel: A Baseball Journey

Yuli Gurriel's journey from Sancti Spiritus, Cuba to the Major Leagues is nothing short of inspiring. His defection in 2016 led to a stellar career with the Houston Astros, where he showcased his versatility as a first baseman and third baseman. Notable achievements include winning the American League batting title in 2021, a Gold Glove Award, and two World Series championships. His career stats, like a .285 batting average and 120 home runs, highlight his consistent performance.

In 2023, Gurriel signed with the Miami Marlins, and later with the Atlanta Braves in 2024, proving his enduring value. His legacy extends beyond stats, inspiring fans and players alike. Yuli's story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the rich tradition of Cuban baseball. His impact on the game will be remembered for years to come.