The San Diego Padres signed former World Series champion Yuli Gurriel on Monday evening. The contract includes $1.25 million if he makes the Padres roster and an additional $1 million in incentives once in the big leagues. Gurriel’s deal also includes an invitation to the team’s Spring Training. He has a good chance to make the roster out of camp according to sources.
Gurriel won two World Series titles with the Houston Astros in 2017 and 2022. He also won a Gold Glove in 2021 and led the league in batting average that season. Gurriel was a member of the Kansas City Royals last season but never got a chance to make an impact with the team. He only played in 18 games and hit .241 with 6 RBI. Will he be able to make a positive impact with the San Diego Padres in 2025?
Gurriel’s Fit With the San Diego Padres
Yuli Gurriel to the Padres. $1.25M if in majors plus $1M incentives. MLB camp invite.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 17, 2025
Gurriel has primarily been a first baseman over his MLB career. That position is occupied by Luis Arraez heading into the 2025 season. Gurriel can serve as a backup at that position or serve in a platoon role as a Designated Hitter.
San Diego is looking to build upon a stellar regular that saw them advance to the NLDS. They blew a 2-1 series lead to the Los Angeles Dodgers as their offense was shut out in the final two games of the series. Gurriel will look to help bolster San Diego’s offense in 2025 if he is fortunate enough to make the roster out of Spring Training.
Final Thoughts
Even though Gurriel did not make much of an impact in 2024, he has a championship pedigree that would be an asset to the 2025 San Diego Padres. While Gurriel’s role with the team is undefined, he will look to make the roster and head to San Diego on the team’s Opening Day roster.
