The San Diego Padres made a significant move on Monday by signing veteran first baseman Yuli Gurriel to a minor-league deal, as confirmed by a team source to The Athletic. At 40 years old, Gurriel brings a wealth of experience to the team, with a career batting average of .280/.326/.438 over nine seasons in the big leagues. Known for his strong contact rates, Gurriel has shown a decline in performance in recent years, spending time with the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A affiliate before joining the Kansas City Royals last season.
Competition for a Bench Spot
Gurriel will be vying for a spot on the Padres’ bench against players like Gavin Sheets, Mike Brosseau, and Tirso Ornelas. With manager Mike Shildt naming Luis Arraez as the primary first baseman, the designated hitter spot remains open, a role Gurriel could potentially fill. As the oldest player in Padres camp, Gurriel will bring a veteran presence to the team, alongside 38-year-olds Yu Darvish and MartÃn Maldonado.
A Controversial Past
Notably, Gurriel was involved in a controversial incident during the 2017 World Series when he directed a racist gesture at Yu Darvish, resulting in a five-game suspension. The suspension was delayed until the start of the 2018 season, during which Gurriel publicly apologized to Darvish. In response, Darvish took to Twitter, emphasizing the importance of learning and growth in such situations, highlighting the need for understanding and progress in the face of adversity.
Despite the controversy surrounding Gurriel’s past actions, his signing with the Padres presents an opportunity for redemption and a fresh start in a new environment. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Gurriel’s experience and skill set could prove valuable in bolstering their lineup and contributing to their success on the field. Stay tuned for more updates on how Gurriel integrates into the Padres’ roster and impacts their performance this season.
