Yuli Gurriel

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Houston Astros #8 prospect in 2017
  A teammate of Kendrys Morales on dominant Cuban junior national teams, Gurriel was long considered one of the best players in the world to not play in the U.S. majors. He bolted Cuba at the Caribbean Series in February 2016 and signed a five-year, $47.5 million deal with the Astros. Wherever Gurriel ends up on the diamond, the Astros paid him to hit. He looked rusty in his big league debut and has to adjust to seeing better breaking balls, but scouts see an above-average hitter with above-average power. Gurriel understandably isn't as nimble as he once was, but he's still capable of playing average or better defense at first and third base, and he's fringe-average in left field. He has quick hands and good body control with a plus arm. He is a fringe-average runner. The future is now with Gurriel because he turns 33 during the 2017 season. His versatility gives him a chance to play multiple positions for Houston, but his most logical everyday spot for now appears to be first base, where rookies A.J. Reed and Tyler White failed to hit in 2016. Gurriel plays on a front-loaded contract that will earn him $14 million in 2017.

• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: A teammate of Kendrys Morales on dominant Cuban junior national teams, Gurriel was long considered one of the best players in the world to not play in the U.S. majors. Gurriel bolted Cuba at the Caribbean Series in February 2016 and signed a five-year, $47.5 million deal with the Astros. Scouting Report: Wherever Gurriel ends up on the diamond, the Astros paid him to hit. He looked rusty in his big league debut and has to adjust to seeing better breaking balls, but scouts see an above-average hitter with above-average power. Gurriel understandably isn't as nimble as he once was, but he's still capable of playing average or better defense at first and third base, and he's fringe-average in left field. He has quick hands and good body control with a plus arm. He is a fringe-average runner.
  
  The Future: The future is now with Gurriel because he turns 33 during the 2017 season. His versatility gives him a chance to play multiple positions for Houston, but his most logical everyday spot for now appears to be first base, where rookies A.J. Reed and Tyler White failed to hit in 2016. Gurriel plays on a front-loaded contract that will earn him $14 million in 2017.