Cuban Yuli Gurriel to the Major Leagues, according to sources

September 1, 2024

Cuban Yuli Gurriel is already flying to report with Kansas City Royals in the Major Leagues. The team is in the middle of a four-game series against Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park stadium. This Saturday, August 31st, is the third game.

Therefore, the 40-year-old player will have a new opportunity in the Majors. In 2023 he had a stint with Miami Marlins after six seasons precisely with Houston Astros.

Cuban Yuli Gurriel called to MLB by Kansas City Royals
Saturday evening, August 31st, journalist Francys Romero reported on his social media accounts that Cuban Yuli Gurriel is heading to Houston to report with Kansas City Royals.

— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) August 31, 2024
A few minutes earlier, he himself reported on the trade between Kansas City and Atlanta Braves for the infielder. Jon Heyman added that his new team acquired him for cash considerations, that is, money.

Cuban Yuli Gurriel spent all of 2024 in the Triple A of Atlanta Braves, with Gwinnett Stripers. He signed a Minor League contract in April, the same formula he used with Miami Marlins in 2023. However, this time the promotion to the Major Leagues did not come.

During the entire 2023 season he participated in 75 games in which he had an offensive line of .292/.378/.485 (AVG/OBP/SLG). He connected 85 hits in 291 at-bats with 31 extra-base hits divided into 18 doubles, one triple, and 12 home runs. He drove in 48 runs and scored 38. He received 39 walks, struck out 49 times, and stole 11 bases in 12 attempts.

Despite good performance in Triple A, a call-up to the Major Leagues depended on many factors. Atlanta Braves has an elite first baseman like Matt Olson, although they considered using him in other infield positions.

Cuban Yuli Gurriel receives a new opportunity with Kansas City Royals to replace Vinnie Pasquantino. The American suffered a fractured thumb last Thursday, August 29th, in the first game of the series in Houston.

Gurriel, 40 years old, will be the 18th player born in Cuba to wear a Kansas City Royals uniform, the 2nd of 2024 after Dairon Blanco. Others who did so recently were Aroldis Chapman, Jorge Soler, Kendrys Morales, and Ronald Bolaños.

Cuban Yuli Gurriel in MiLB 2024
Cuban Yuli Gurriel arrived at Kansas City Royals to replace injured first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. It will be his 3rd team in MLB