KC Royals Add Recent AL Batting Champ

He was a batting champion just three years ago, but hasn't been able to make his way back onto a major league roster in 2024... Until Now. After a trade Saturday from the Atlanta Braves, Yuli Gurriel has now been added to the Kansas City Royals roster, their third notable veteran hitter added in two days.  

The Royals have acquired INF Yuli Gurriel from the Atlanta Braves on a minor-league deal for cash considerations. pic.twitter.com/AiKZwlVXOG

— MLB (@MLB) August 31, 2024

The Royals added the 40-year-old on a minor league deal for cash considerations, after they claimed him off waivers from the Braves, where he's spent the year in at Triple-A. Gurriel had a .292/.378/.485 slash line with 12 HR and 48 RBI for the Gwinnett Stripers this season.

He's been slotted right into the lineup at DH on Sunday, and could also play some first base, his natural position (for which he won a Gold Glove a few years back), after the brutal injury news the Royals got on Friday that leading RBI-man Vinnie Pasquantino will be out for, essentially, the rest of the regular season at least. 

In addition to winning the 2021 AL Batting Title, Gurriel is a two-time World Series champion who has won a Gold Glove. He's hit .281 with a .766 OPS over a major-league career that began in 2016 with Houston.

The Royals also added Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman this weekend, significantly upping their veteran leadership, while they hope also giving them some more offensive options. Right-fielder Pham was immediately plugged in as the leadoff hitter on Sunday.

Photo: © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports