The Houston Astros signed veteran first baseman and slugger Jose Abreu at the beginning of the offseason.
With that move, it appeared that longtime slugger Yuli Gurriel would be on his way out soon.
Recently, the slugger has been engaged in talks with the Miami Marlins.
However, those talks appear to have cooled down, according to Jon Heyman.
But a few new suitors have emerged for the veteran first baseman.
Heyman notes that the Astros appear to have jumped back into the conversation for the slugger, with the Minnesota Twins being another possibility.
Heyman also reported that Gurriel has connections with both organizations, including Carlos Correa for the Twins, and manager Dusty Baker, owner Jim Crane, and several of his former teammates in Houston.
Yuli Gurriel’s better hopes beyond the Marlins now might include Astros and Twins. He has likely supporters in both places (Dusty/Crane in Houston, Correa in Minnesota). Astros already signed Abreu but they could find some at-bats for Yuli.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 24, 2023
Of course, this does not mean that the Marlins are completely out on Gurriel.
Talks have slowed down, but that doesn’t mean they won’t pick back up.
But fans in Houston would be glad to have him back, as would his teammates.
He could also fit into the picture with the Twins, who could use a first baseman after trading away Luis Arraez, the reigning American League batting champion.
The Twins did land starter Pablo Lopez in that deal, but do have an opening at the first base position with Arraez gone.
If he returns to the Astros, he could be used as a designated hitter and occasionally spell Abreu at first base if he requires a day off.
There are still options for the slugger as free agency begins to wind down.
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