MLB fans perplexed by Yuli Gurriel receiving only a minor league deal from Miami Marlins

Despite being one of the best first basemen in the league for a long time, Yuli Gurriel is struggling to find a job this spring.

After defecting from Cuba with his younger brother in 2016, Gurriel met Houston Astros player and fellow Cuban Yordan Alvarez, who encouraged him to pursue a career with the Houston Astros. Months later, Gurriel penned a 5-year deal worth $47.5 million with the team.

In 2017, he hit .299/.332/.486 with 18 home runs and 75 RBIs and also won the World Series that year. Between 2017 and 2022, Gurriel played first base in more postseason games than any player since the year 2000.

In 2019, he hit 31 home runs and 104 RBIs, and two seasons later, he hit .319, leading the MLB in batting average. To fans, it was virtually a foregone conclusion that Yuli Gurriel would re-sign with the Houston Astros when his contract was up after the 2022 season.

But that never happened. Following the World Series, the 38-year old declared free agency and less than two months later, the Astros signed Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu, effectively replacing Gurriel at first base.

"Marlins continuing to talk to free-agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel, sources tell @TheAthletic. Likely would be a minor - league deal, if completed." - @ Ken Rosenthal

On March 7th 2023, MLB analyst Ken Rosenthal revealed that Gurriel is apparently closing in on a minor league deal with the Miami Marlins. Fans took to Twitter, rushing to his defense.

They believe that a minor league deal is less than what Gurriel deserves. In seven seasons in the MLB, he has hit .284/.328/.448 with 94 home runs and 430 RBIs, as well as over 200 doubles.

Fans recognized that Gurriel is getting older, but were resolute in their conviction that the Cuban-born slugger is worth more than an expulsion to Triple-A. No details of the deal that is reportedly being hammered out are yet available.

Regardless of Yuli Gurriel's future, he can be proud of his career

Not many Gold Glove winners can say that they did not play their first game in the MLB until they were 32 years old. Unfortunately, political circumstances beyond Gurriel's control cut his career very short.

Regardless of whether or not he plays for an MLB club next year, h can be proud of what he accomplished during his time with the Astros.