Yulieski Gurriel says goodbye to the Houston Astros

The stellar Cuban baseball player Yulieski Gurriel he said goodbye to the Houston Astros, the team with which he spent the first seven seasons of his Major League career, before leaving for his new franchise of the Miami Marlins.

“To the City of Houston and all Astros fans around the world… Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. “I appreciate them more than you can imagine,” said the 38-year-old player who went on to win two World Championships with the Astros.

This Thursday, according to Major League sources, The Miami Marlins and Gurriel reached an agreement for the next baseball season. The terms were not immediately revealed and it is likely that the contract is still pending a medical examination of the veteran Cuban player.

“You welcomed my family with kindness and warmth. His constant support inspired my teammates and me every day. “Together we celebrate two World Championships!” Gurriel told his team and his fans on Instagram.

Declaring his pride in having belonged to the Astros, the Cuban wanted to thank in particular his teammates, among whom are his compatriots Yordan Alvarez and José Dariel “Pito” Abreu.

“To my teammates, I could never have imagined how incredible the last seven years of my life would be. I am eternally grateful and love each and every one of you. We are Family,” Gurriel thanked them.

With the Houston Astros, the player won two World Series titles, a Gold Glove and a batting title. Gurriel, a native of Sancti Spíritus and member of the Cuban national team, defected along with his younger brother Lourdes Jr. in the Dominican Republic in 2016.

After ending his contract with the Astros, the world champion franchise itself, the Minnesota Twins and the Marlins showed interest in obtaining Gurriel's services for the 2023 season.

However, Gurriel ended up choosing Miami, where his entire family, his father, and baseball glory live. Lourdes Gurriel, and his two brothers: the former player and coach Yunieski Gurriel, and Lourdes Jr., traded from Toronto Blue Jays to Arizona Diamondbacks.

At the moment the amount of the contract is unknown, but sources close to the Marlins indicated that the franchise offered him about $2.2 million dollars for one season, with the option to extend it for a second year.

The incorporation of Gurriel to the Miami franchise is an important acquisition of offensive power and experience for the local team, and becomes an attraction for the Cuban and Hispanic fans who attend the Little Havana stadium.