Padres sign Yuli Gurriel, 40, to minor league deal with invitation to spring training

As Padres fans have complained about a stagnant attempt at continued success and lamented on their favorite teams once dominant offseasons, the shuffled and financially pinched front office has attempted to make up for the mess with some unconvincing names. Now, you can add Yuli Gurriel to the list of once game-changing veterans looking to add a positive final chapter to their careers as part of a San Diego Padres team that seems to be searching for an identity.

The first baseman and designated hitter reportedly agreed to a minor league deal late Monday according ot MLB.com that includes an invite to spring training. Gurriel, who is entering his age 40 season, appeared in 18 games for the Kansas City Royals in 2024 after stops in Miami and the Braves minor league system. He will recieve a $1.25 million bonus if he makes the major league roster and upwards of $1 million in incentives.

Gurriel adds veteran first baseman to roster competition

Entering his 10th season in the majors and 25th season of professional baseball, Gurriel had a long journey to the MLB. Spending 15 seasons playing in Cuba and one season in Japan, Gurriel didn't make his MLB debut until 2016, when he was 32. A year later, he would finish 4th in American League Rookie of the Year voting, and would be play pivotal part of Houston's two World Series rings in 2017 and 2022.

After leading the league with a .319 average in 2019 and winning a Gold Glove, Gurriel has seen his numbers take a steep drop. His slash line in the past three seasons have all been lower than his career average, and there is no escaping the fact that trying to make an MLB roster at 40-years-old is a tall task.

That is, however, not to say Gurriel can't do it. The Royals obviously saw something in him when they signed him late last season and started him in all six of their playoff games, and the Padres must see something themselves. Now on his fourth team in as many years, Gurriel could add competition to the designated hitter role, or slot in as a backup first baseman for Luis Arraez. Even at his age, there is a reason why he's been able to play 25 seasons of professional baseball.

Gurriel may not be the earth shattering move Padres fans are looking for, but with two spots left on the roster, he could provide competition to other fringe players. Going up against recent additions Gavin Sheets and Mike Brosseau, Gurriel may sneak in because of his years of experience at first.