2-Time World Series Champ Yuli Gurriel Signs With NL Contender

Entering his age-40 season, Yuli Gurriel isn't finished with baseball just yet. The free agent veteran first baseman/DH has agreed to sign on for another MLB season, this time with the Atlanta Braves.

BREAKING: The Atlanta Braves and Cuban INF Yuli Gurriel are in agreement on a deal, per sources.

It's a Minor League deal. Yuli should be assigned some time to Triple-A.

The two-time World Series champion is back. pic.twitter.com/LKhwriSSKO

— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) April 13, 2024

It's a minor league deal for the former Houston Astros two-time World Series champion. He spent last year with the Miami Marlins where he had his least-productive season in the majors, with an OPS+ of 79 and only four home runs in 108 games. 

However, that's not the same player that the Braves saw in 2023. Against Atlanta, Gurriel was a different hitter, slashing .323/.382/.581 in 34 plate appearances, which included an inside-the-park homer. That performance obviously left an indelible mark on the Braves. In addition, he was part of the Astros team that the Braves faced in the 2021 World Series (won by Atlanta).

In eight major league seasons, Gurriel has a .281 average, a .766 OPS and a 108 OPS+. He spent 15 years playing in Cuba before coming to the big leagues at the age of 32.

Gurriel will start his Braves stint at Triple-A, as first base and DH are well-accounted for in Atlanta, by Matt Olson and Marcell Ozuna, respectively. 

Photo: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports