The Padres have agreed to a Minor League contract with veteran first baseman, according to a source from MLB.com. The team has not yet confirmed the deal, which includes an invitation to big league camp.
Top star will earn $1.25 million if he makes the Major League roster, with an additional $1 million in potential incentives.
Signed by the Astros out of Cuba in 2016, he spent seven seasons in Houston, winning World Series titles in 2017 and 2022, along with an AL batting title and Gold Glove Award in 2021. A fan favorite, he played 85 postseason games for the Astros, hitting eight home runs with a .711 OPS.
After the 2022 season, the Astros signed José Abreu to play first base, leading Gurriel to join the Marlins in 2023, where he hit .245/.304/.359 with four home runs in 329 plate appearances. In 2024, Gurriel signed a Minor League deal with the Braves but didn’t reach the big leagues. He was later traded to the Royals in late August after Vinnie Pasquantino’s injury, appearing in 18 regular-season games and starting all six postseason games for Kansas City.
With the Padres, Gurriel will compete for one of the two remaining roster spots on the offensive side. Luis Arraez is currently projected as the starting first baseman, though he could split time between first base and DH, potentially sharing those duties with Gurriel if he makes the Major League roster. Other non-roster players vying for a spot include Gavin Sheets, Mike Brosseau, and utility option Eguy Rosario, along with No. 18 prospect Tirso Ornelas.