It sure looks like Yuli Gurriel just tipped his hand on his future with Astros

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With the start of spring training just around the corner, Yuli Gurriel is still sitting on the free agent market looking for a team to join. The Houston Astros added slugger Jose Abreu at the start of free agency to take Yuli's spot at first base. But many fans have been wondering if Yuli would join the Astros in a utility role for the upcoming season.

According to recent reports, Gurriel has met with the Miami Marlins twice, and it appears he unfollowed the Astros on Instagram and started following the Marlins.

Is this a sign that Yuli's days with the Astros have come to an end?

Plus, if the Astros don't bring back Yuli, how should they allocate their money moving forward?

Be sure to check out the video as we break it all down.

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Catch The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekdays from 7-10 AM on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5.

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Is it already too late to extend Framber Valdez and/or Hunter Brown? Composite Getty Image.

Astros starter Hunter Brown had a breakout season in 2024, after struggling mightily in 2023, when he posted an ERA over five. And while that's good news for the team heading into 2025, it could present some challenges when looking at the big picture.

That's because we're already hearing speculation that Brown won't be willing to sign an extension with the Astros, preferring to wait until free agency to entertain any long-term contract offers. Some reports indicate Brown had interest in signing a deal last year, but Houston may have missed their window. It's hard to blame the Astros front office for not offering Brown an extension after a miserable 2023 season, but could this development change how the Astros operate moving forward?

Brown won't be a free agent until 2029, so it's not like he's going anywhere anytime soon. But his hiring of Scott Boras suggests he's not looking to give Houston a hometown discount.

Astros ace Framber Valdez is only one season away from free agency, and based on what the market is telling us, he will likely command a contract in the $200 million range. And while his resume is certainly better than Brown's, he's five years older than Hunter, and has a lower strikeout rate.

So if we're projecting forward, which pitcher has more value? Brown is younger and has incredible upside, but he also only has one good season under his belt. While Framber has been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball since 2020.

Don't miss the video above as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein debate which pitcher has more value, and how that could impact the way the Astros manage their young players moving forward.

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