Astros Sign Yuli Gurriel to New Contract That Allows Him to Hit Free Agency After 2020
By Parker White
Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel was originally under team control through 2022, but according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, a few things are changing after the two sides agreed to a new deal on Monday.
Gurriel agreed to a one-year, $8.3 million contract for the 2020 season and, as a result, will avoid arbitration and be able to enter the free agent market following the 2020 season if he so pleases.
The Houston #Astros sign 1B Yuli Gurriel to one-year, $8.3 million contract with $250,000 in award bonuses for 2020, and he has the right to declare free agency at the end of the season. Gurriel had the right to go to arbitration if he had not signed the guaranteed contract.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 18, 2019
The 35-year-old has spent his entire four-year career with the Astros after an illustrious career in Cuba.
In 144 games last year, Gurriel slashed .298/.343/.541 with a career-best 31 home runs and 104 RBI. He continued that level of production in October, particularly in the World Series, where he hit .310 with one home run and five RBI over seven games.
Gurriel's previous contract deal ran through 2021, but he will now avoid arbitration and be eligible to enter free agency at the end of 2020.... https://t.co/3R3THAtqfq
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) November 18, 2019
His age might worry some teams, but he's proven during his short time in the major leagues that he can flat out crush the ball. If Gurriel can continue producing at this kind of level in 2020, he'll have ample suitors for a multi-year deal next offseason.