How Houston Astros latest update gives biggest clue yet on Yuli's future
RUN IT BACK
03 February 2023
RUN IT BACK
With spring training just around the corner, Yuli Gurriel's future with the Houston Astros is still up in the air. We're hearing rumblings that manager Dusty Baker would like to get Yuli back on the club, but nothing has come to fruition.
“Yuli Gurriel had been seeking $3 million.
Dusty Baker is stumping to get Gurriel back with the Astros, though the fit is tight after they signed Jose Abreu.” Per @JonHeyman
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) February 2, 2023
We also heard from the Astros new GM Dana Brown and his thoughts on Yuli returning to the club.
“The realistic thing is we have Abreu at first base right now. So at the end of the day, we have to look at maybe some other spots … to strengthen the club, give Dusty [Baker] more options.”
Brown's quote doesn't give us a lot of optimism. Based on his statement, he may not see Yuli as anything more than a first baseman at this stage in his career, and the Astros could use a utility player.
On the positive side, we received an encouraging update on Michael Brantley's health, as his recovery is on schedule and he plans to participate in batting practice next week.
Be sure to check out the video above as we analyze what the updates mean for the Astros moving forward.
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Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy made a lot of fans nervous on Friday when he exited his spring training start after just 43 pitches. Elbow pain reportedly was what cut his start short. Urquidy was then sent back to Houston for further evaluation.
Astros manager Joe Espada gave an injury update on Monday. According to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, Urquidy is dealing with a forearm muscle strain and will likely begin the season on IL.
Houston had already been reported to have interest in signing free agent pitcher Blake Snell in recent days, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome.
The Astros are pursuing Blake Snell, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me - https://t.co/Yean488qtK
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 15, 2024
But USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend the Astros now appear to be a “long-shot” to sign him. He's looking for a 2-year, $66 million deal and with a player option for year two.
A contract like this would put the Astros over the second tax-threshold. Not to mention he turned down the Padres qualifying offer as did closer Josh Hader. Which means the Astros would have to send two draft picks to San Diego if they sign Snell.
But if owner Jim Crane decides to pass on Snell, we're looking at a starting rotation of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, JP France, Ronel Blanco, and possibly Brandon Bielak if they opt for a 6-man rotation.
So what should the Astros do? Throw caution to the wind and sign Snell, or hope they get their guys back healthy sooner rather than later?
It's important to keep in perspective that the Yankees have several injuries to their rotation as well. Opening Day will be a matchup between Nestor Cortes and Framber Valdez. Not Gerrit Cole vs.Justin Verlander, like we once expected.
Be sure to watch the video above as we break down the rotation, all the Astros other options, and much more!
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