*Photo from The Crawfish Boxes*
Signing the best option on the market is usually a good idea. The Miami Marlins have signed 1B Yuli Gurriel and SS/2B Jose Iglesias to minor league contracts, according to the team.
After defecting from Cuba, Gurriel has played with the Houston Astros since landing in the majors. Iglesias has floated around the majors longer and has been with many more teams, but they're both in Miami now, both originally from Cuba.
Marlins manager Skip Schumaker talked about the additions, saying "Two more good players that are going to compete for spots at camp, and we're excited that they're here, and two professionals that have done it before. A Gold Glover, a batting title, guys that know what winning looks like, so really excited to have them part of the camp."
After winning the AL batting title in 2021, Gurriel took a noticeable step back in 2022. He ended the regular season with a .242 batting average, .288 on base percentage, and .647 OPS, hitting 8 home runs to go with 53 RBI's in 146 games for the AL West champion Astros.
Gurriel went through free agency for the first time this offseason, signing with the Astros after defecting from Cuba before the 2016 season. His 2021 batting title season made him the oldest batting title winner since Barry Bonds in 2002, with Gurriel winning it at age 37. His contact oriented hitting approach will hope to boost a Marlins offense that ranked in the bottom 3rd of the league in home runs, runs scored, wRC+, and slugging percentage.
Iglesias suited up for the Colorado Rockies after playing in the AL in 2021. He ended the season at mile high with a .292 batting average, .380 slugging percentage, and .708 OPS, adding 47 RBI's and 3 home runs in 118 games in the Rockies infield.
Asked about signing in spring training, Iglesias said that "I've been ready, I've been training, I've been hitting, I've been fielding, just waiting for that call. And that's why I'm here today. I had a great day today getting to know everyone. A lot of familiar faces for me. So I'm very excited. I'm very excited to wear this uniform."
Gurriel gives Schumaker a veteran compliment to Garrett Cooper on the first base depth chart, and a natural first baseman at that. Iglesias will compete for infield playing time alongside Joey Wendle, Jean Segura, Luis Arraez, Jon Berti, Jacob Amaya, and Garrett Hampson.
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