Yuli Gurriel, Padres reach agreement on Minor League deal (source)

The Padres have reached an agreement on a Minor League contract with first baseman Yuli Gurriel, a source told MLB.com. The club has not confirmed the deal, which includes an invite to big league camp.

Gurriel, 40, will earn $1.25 million if he reaches the Majors plus $1 million in possible incentives, according to the report.

Signed by the Astros out of Cuba in 2016, Gurriel spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career with Houston, winning World Series rings in 2017 and 2022 and the American League batting title in 2021, as well as a Gold Glove Award the same year. A fan favorite, Gurriel appeared in 85 postseason games with the Astros, posting a .711 OPS with eight homers.

Following the 2022 campaign, Houston signed free-agent slugger Jos¨¦ Abreu to play first base and decided to move on from Gurriel, who signed as a free agent with the Marlins. In 329 plate appearances with Miami in 2023, Gurriel hit .245/.304/.359 with four homers.

He signed a Minor League deal with the Braves last season, but never saw action in the bigs. The Royals acquired Gurriel in a trade on Aug. 31 after first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino fractured his right thumb. The native of Cuba played 18 games for Kansas City and started all six postseason games for the Royals.

San Diego currently has Luis Arraez penciled in as the club¡¯s starting first baseman, though he could split time at first and designated hitter, as could Gurriel if he makes the Major League club.

Gurriel will be competing for one of two available spots remaining on the offensive side of the Padres roster. Gavin Sheets and Mike Brosseau are among the non-roster players challenging for those jobs. Eguy Rosario is also an intriguing utility option. No. 18 prospect Tirso Ornelas will get a look as well.