Apr 13, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Yuli Gurriel (10) breaks his bat on a swing during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images David Frerker-Imagn Images

Padres Veteran Infielder Elects to Leave Organization

Originally posted on San Diego Padres on SI
By Jason Fray | Last updated May 4, 2025 4:18 PM ET

Longtime veteran infielder Yuri Gurriel decided to officially part ways with the San Diego Padres.

With a handful of Padres coming back from the IL — namely Jason Heyward and Luis Arraez, San Diego opted to designate Gurriel for assignment. After clearing waivers, he decided to become a free agent rather than presumably head to the minor leagues.

Gurriel was part of San Diego's efforts in the offseason to work on the edges. Without a ton of cash to work with, they saw Gurriel as a veteran bat that could provide the team with some postseason experience as well as leadership. The hope was that he could turn back the clock and produce the way he did earlier in his career when surrounded with several high-impact bats.

After being designated for assignment by the Padres, INF Yuli Gurriel cleared waivers and elected free agency.
— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) May 3, 2025

Unfortunately for the player and team, things didn't pan out the way either would've liked. In 40 plate appearances, Gurriel managed only four hits. Only one of those hits went for extra bases.

Without consistent playing time, Gurriel was never able to get into any semblance of a rhythm. The 41-year-old will hope to latch on where to prolong what has been a rather unique journey to the big leagues.

Gurriel played in Japan for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars before ultimately defecting to the United States from his native Cuba. He came to the big leagues at age 32 with the Houston Astros. Gurriel spent seven years with the Astros — helping them win two World Series along the way as a core member of the team.

Mike Shildt told reporters that Yuli Gurriel has been DFA'd with Luis Arraez and Jason Heyward being activated off the injured list pic.twitter.com/MJpYJOGSlX
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 29, 2025

Over the last handful of years, Gurriel has bounced around. Prior to his short stint with the Padres, Gurriel spent singular years with the Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals.

As it pertains to San Diego, the Padres will now integrate Arraez and Heyward back into the mix. Comparatively speaking to Gurriel, Arraez is a far better bat. Heyward might have his own struggles at the plate, though he's a very capable fielder and among the better clubhouse presences in the game today.

It'll be interesting to see what San Diego does moving forward as it inches closer and closer to the deadline. Though A.J. Preller is notoriously active, it could be a situation where the Padres opt to focus more on in-house options rather than exploring a host of trades.

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This article first appeared on San Diego Padres on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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