Yuli Gurriel primed for return to baseball with Miami Marlins setting their sights on 2021 AL Batting Champ

With the MLB regular season roughly three weeks away, two-time World Series champion Yuli Gurriel remains one of the top names on the free agent market. Although the veteran may not have much time remaining in his MLB career, Gurriel has continued to remain productive as he ages.

Last season with the Houston Astros, he hit .242 with eight home runs and 53 RBIs. While 2022 was a bit of a down year, he was electric in 2021, hitting .319 with 15 home runs and 81 RBIs.

While it is still impossible to rule out a return to the Astros, there is one team actively pursuing the veteran infielder: the Miami Marlins.

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

Even as Spring Training continues to roll along, the veteran first baseman and the Miami Marlins appear to be the best fit for one another. According to multiple reports, the Marlins reportedly offered the 38-year-old a one-year, $3 million deal, but pulled the offer after he waffled for a week.

Now, it appears that Miami will continue to covert the first baseman, though it appears that if the deal is to be completed, it will be on a Minor League contract.

Yuli Gurriel's addition to the Marlins could be beneficial for both parties.

Gurriel will likely be given a more consistent role with Miami as the team boasts one of the least menacing lineups in the MLB. The Marlins, on the other hand, would benefit from a proven veteran who has been a solid contributor in his time with the Houston Astros.

He notably won the 2021 American League Batting title after batting .319 through 143 games.

"Check out what I just read on the Trade Rumors Android app! Marlins Still Discussing Deal With Yuli Gurriel" - @JNJNM1123

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A look at the Miami Marlins' offseason before completing a potential deal with Yuli Gurriel

While the Miami Marlins struggled to produce much on offense last season, the team has made several offseason moves to hopefully boost their lineup.

The most notable move came when the team traded pitcher Pablo Lopez to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for 2022 American League batting champion Luis Arraez. In the free agent market, the Marlins were able to land veterans Jean Segura and Johnny Cueto.

Some of the names mentioned may not be the most exciting at this point in their careers. However, the addition of Yuli Gurriel could help Miami produce more consistent runs throughout the season.