When the Houston Astros decided not to renew Yuli Gurriel’s contract last season, the Marlins then took the opportunity to sign the slugger, who not only brought his experience and skills on the field, but also brought his popularity within the Cuban community in the city of Miami to help the club’s marketing.
“El Yuli”, who had been one of the main cogs of the Houston’s championship team last season, found it difficult to play as a backup first baseman for the Marlins. However, the native of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba has adapted well to his new team and it seems that the investment that the fish made in the Cuban is paying off.
“It’s really hard not to play every day,” Gurriel explained. “This is the first time that has happened to me in my career. It hasn’t been easy, but every time I go out on the field, I do it with much more urgency, with much more desire to try to seize the moment and help the team.”.
Yuli Gurriel acaba de recibir su anillo de campeón de la Serie Mundial del 2022. pic.twitter.com/RhHWI40oex
— Yordano Carmona (@YordiMLB) August 15, 2023
Although he is just 1-for-10 with a walk and two RBIs as a pinch hitter, ” La Piña” has established himself as a leader on the team from South Florida. Gurriel is hitting .263 with three longballs and 20 RBIs on the campaign.
After playing in six American League Championship Series with Houston, winning a batting title, Gold Glover and World Series champion, Yuli hoped to bring his talent and leadership skills to the Marlins and help establish a winning culture with the team.
“Some of the things that I’ve seen in this clubhouse are very similar to the things that I’ve seen in the Astros organization, that group of guys never gives up and this team also does that,” Gurriel said.
“It’s something that always takes me by surprise every time I see it. They never give up. They work hard until the end of the game.” Professed the infielder. Yuli has been optimistic about the Marlins’ playoff chances and continues to show that he is ready to help the team when given the opportunity.