The Marlins added more depth to their infield Thursday night by reaching minor league deals with Cubans Yuli Gurriel and Jose Iglesias, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The club has not confirmed news of the deals.
Kurial was a mainstay at first base as the Astros made six straight SCLA wins, including four pennants and two World Series titles. Curiel was a free agent for the first time since leaving Cuba, agreeing to a five-year, $47.5 million contract with the Astros in 2016.
The 38-year-old veteran had a rough year in 2022, hitting .242 with eight home runs and a .647 OPS through 146 games, but rebounded by going 17-for-49 (.347) with two home runs. Most recent postseason.
In 2021, Curiel led the American League with a .319 batting average at age 37, becoming the oldest batting champion since Barry Bonds in 2002 and only the second Cuban-born batting champion since Tony Oliva in 1971. Won his first Gold Glove.
In seven years in the majors, Cuban has hit .284/.328/.448 with 94 home runs, 206 doubles and 435 RBIs.
Iglesias, 33, has 11 seasons of major league experience with the Red Sox, Tigers, Reds, Orioles, Angels and Rockies. Iglesias, known for his glove that hit .292/.328/.380 in 118 games for Colorado in 2022, will provide an option from the right side of the plate to complement lefty Joey Wendell’s duties as the starting shortstop. For the club.