The Braves have made a move today to fortify their depth this afternoon.
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
Yuli Gurriel, the veteran from the Astros’ playoff and World Series runs, has signed with the Atlanta Braves. It’s a minor league deal per Romero (above) and Jon Heyman. Gurriel has largely played first base with Houston. He will likely be deployed in a utility manner with the Braves if needed, as he would be probably at least fourth in the depth chart at first base.
Yuli’s first stop will likely be in Gwinnett. His projections at the Major League level are not good and roughly replacement level. He brings some decent power for a depth option, below average defense, maybe a trash can, and some veteran presence (or at we like to say “presents”). Yuli spent last year with the Miami Marlins and had a .245/.304/.359 line over 329 PAs. Often times, utility and fringe veterans from other NL East organizations end up with others so that’s likely the Braves’s interest in Gurriel.
Gurriel has 98 home runs at the Major League level and sports a career .281/.326/.440 line with 10.3 fWAR. The 39-year-old is a solid addition to the backup utility infield spot or the ceremonial Charlie Culberson bench spot.
