The current location of major Cuban ballplayers Yulieski Gurriel and Lourdes Gurriel is still unknown after their recent defection, but they tell MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez that they are training in secret in preparation for a move to a big league organization. As Sanchez notes, such an “underground” approach is not uncommon for players seeking to complete their journey away from Cuba.
There are many obstacles still left for the brothers to navigate, of course, but their intentions are not in doubt. “I know there are a lot of people who worried about us,” said Yulieski, “but we are working hard and training every day to accomplish our dreams to play in the Major Leagues.”
Notably, the pair does have hopes of signing as a package, which is certainly an intriguing possibility. “We would like to play together on the same team, have my brother near me,” Yulieski tells Sanchez. “But if the circumstances don’t permit it and we have to go different paths, that’s what we will do.”
As that quote hints, there very well could be a variety of practicalities that make a common team unlikely. For one thing, the elder Yulieski would likely do well to sign shortly after reaching eligibility, both to increase his value as a near-term contributor and to speed his ascent to the majors. But his younger sibling would need to wait until he turns 23 — and thereby sheds bonus pool limitations — to maximize his earnings.
Needless to say, it also isn’t clear whether the same teams that will be most interested in adding a veteran third baseman will also be best-positioned to make a more future-looking investment in Lourdes. Of course, as Dave Cameron of Fangraphs has recently suggested, the package concept could also provide some wiggle room for navigating MLB’s rules.
One important question is whether Yulieski has, as reported, achieved Panamanian residency. He declined to address that matter with Sanchez, but did say that he hopes to join a major league organization “this year” and has intentions “to play as soon as possible.” Notably, Panama’s top immigration officer has denied that Yulieski has current residency, per this Spanish-language link to La Prensa.
REDS. REDS REDS.
Purge Phillips, Bruce. Maybe even trade votto for prospects. Boston, Houston or Toronto. And invest in the future.
I think the Reds or Phillies make sense for a package like this as well. Yulieski could be an above average veteran infielder in place when they’re ready to contend and Lourdes just gives more young talent. Neither team should have much of a financial issue in doing so.
The Angels would be fools to not push hard for this package.
I know, both brothers would help big time as Yulieski may be able to help our LF issue and if Lourdes is ready for the Big leagues he gives us depth and if he Isn’t he provides us with a much prospect in our farm system, but sadly Arte probably won’t spend the money
No one wants votto because of contract.
Well it’s not all bad. They have someone to fill the seats and he could still very well be a productive player when the Reds are relevant again
Any interest in playing the OF? The White Sox could use both.