It’s not too long ago that Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was signed by the Blue Jays and touted to be their next 2nd baseman, a position that had be in flux for years. Now, he’s supplanted himself as an everyday starter, however he’s patrolling the outfield.
Gurriel, now 26, looked poised to takeover the starting position at 2nd in 2019 after a strong end to his rookie campaign. He finished up with a .281 BA while totaling 11 home runs and 35 RBI’s in 65 games. A very poor defensive start saw Charlie Montoyo pull an audible on Gurriel’s development.
Montoyo believed Gurriel could utilize his strong arm and speed more in the outfield since Calvan Biggio and Bo Bichette also seemed ready to take the step into a starting position in the middle infield. After a brief stint in Buffalo, Gurriel rejoined the Jays as primarily an outfield player.
Gurriel finished the season with a .277 BA in 84 games while slugging 20 home runs and 50 RBI’s. The move to the outfield allowed Gurriel to put his early woes, including an 0-for-25 streak, to rest. Since the move, Gurriel has had a much better focus offensively with less defensive responsibility while having made 0 errors since the transition.
Transitions are not a new thing for Lourdes as he and his brother Yulieski defected from Cuba in 2016. The brothers were representing their nation un the Caribbean Series when they decided to make the move.
The Jays were sold on Lourdes’ prospects as he signed a 7-year, $22 million deal before ever wearing an MLB jersey in November, 2016. At the time, Gurriel was the 6th-ranked international free agent available. Now that he’s found his position, the rest of his game is beginning to flourish.
RANDOM FACTS
-Is hitting .280 in 161 games with 32 home runs and 88 RBI’s.
-Lourdes Sr. played for Cuba’s national team for 15 years, won a gold medal, 2 batting titles, and an MVP. He’s also managed the Cuban national team.
-Yulieski, who signed a 5 year, $47.5 million contract with the Astros in 2016, is hitting .293 lifetime with 68 dingers and 286 RBI’s. He’s 9 years older than Lourdes Jr.
-Became the 6th player in Blue Jays history to record a straight steal of home when he accomplished the feat on April 9 at BOS.
-Homered in back-to-back games after returning from his stint in Buffalo in 2019.
-From May 24-June 28 2019, led the AL in home runs (14), AVG (352), SLG (768), OPS (1156) and total bases (96), while alsoleading all MLB outfielders with six assists.
-Played 68 games as a member of the Buffalo Bisons between 2018 and 19.
-His nickname is Pinapower Jr.
Go to picassospizza.net to get your game day snacks!