Astros' Gurriel: Signing with MLB team a dream come true
Yulieski Gurriel's dream of reaching the major leagues finally came true.
The Houston Astros officially agreed to terms with 32-year-old Cuban infielder Saturday. Financial details were not disclosed, however the contract is reportedly worth $47.5 million over five years.
''I have no words to describe this moment,'' Gurriel told reporters.
He added: ''I always had the hope to play in the United States. But it always seemed like something very far away ... it has been my dream my whole life to be here and to play next to big league players.''
The Astros haven't laid out a timetable for Gurriel to reach the majors, but general manager Jeff Luhnow said he believe's he'll contribute at the MLB level at some point this season. Gurriel will first report to Florida before joining Double-A.
''One of the reasons why (we) worked so hard to get this deal done as timely as we could was I want, and Yuli wants to be part of a playoff run this year,'' Luhnow said.
It's yet to be determined where Gurriel fits into the Astros lineup. It's expected he'll receive most of his reps at third base or possibly the outfield, with Jose Altuve locked in a second and Carlos Correa at shortstop. It's not believed Gurriel's presence will cause Houston to move top prospect Alex Bregman.
"This year, we'll make it work," Luhnow said.
Gurriel became a free agent June 13 following his defection from Cuba with his younger brother, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., after the two left the national team while competing in the Dominican Republic.
In 49 games with Industriales of the Cuban league in 2015, Gurriel slashed .500/.589/.874 with 15 home runs and 20 doubles, while striking out just three times.
''He's a five-tool player with 15 years of incredible success on the international stage ... pretty much the combination we'd design if we were going to design a ballplayer,'' Luhnow said.
In order to make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Matt Duffy was designated for assignment.