2023 Marlins Season Review: Yuli Gurriel

Relive all of the ups and downs of the 2023 Miami Marlins with our Fish On First Season Review, containing detailed articles about a wide variety of players. The FOF staff analyzes the individual impact that each of them had and what it means for their future with the organization.

This installment focuses on first baseman Yuli Gurriel.

2023 Timeline

• March 10—signed to a minor league deal
• March 30—contract selected by Marlins

Season stats: .245/.304/.359/.663 with four home runs, 27 RBIs and a 79 OPS+

The Marlins reportedly had negotiations with free agent Yuli Gurriel throughout the 2022-23 offseason. They offered him a major league deal at one point, but the Cuban first baseman was not in a hurry to commit. Deep into spring training, the Marlins still didn't have a clear idea of who would be the back up to Garrett Cooper at first base. Gurriel was still available and he accepted a minor league offer to compete for the final spot on the Opening Day roster.

At the same time as Gurriel, the Marlins also signed shortstop José Iglesias. The idea was to take whichever one looked more ready to contribute and fit best with the surrounding roster.

Gurriel ultimately won the job. He didn't hit much in spring games (.227/.261/.273/.534 in 7 G), but made several smooth plays defensively to show why he had won the American League Gold Glove in 2021. Miami valued Gurriel's extensive playoff experience as a member of the Houston Astros, which included winning two World Series titles. He also came with excellent contact skills, just like fellow offseason acquisitions Luis Arráez and Jean Segura.

For the first time in his career, Gurriel had to adjust to life as a backup. He put up solid numbers early on—through the end of May, his OPS (.769) was over 100 points higher than Cooper's (.655) and the playing time split between them was much closer than anticipated. His defense at first base helped the Marlins consistently hold leads in the later innings.

However, in the second half, Gurriel was unable to maintain that success, slashing .202/.250/.288/.538 with one home run and nine RBIs. Despite his reputation for being a good situational hitter, he stopped coming through in clutch situations.

The Marlins got creative at the trade deadline and brought in Josh Bell to be their primary first baseman while sending Cooper to San Diego. Bell's combination of durability and switch-hitting cut down on Gurriel's playing time. The Marlins still felt it was important to keep the 39-year-old on the roster throughout the season because of the leadership he brought to the clubhouse.

Gurriel started only five games during the month of September. His final big moment as a Marlin, driving in the go-ahead run against the New York Mets on Sept. 28, was erased from the record books when the game was suspended due to rain and never completed.

Future with Marlins

It is hard to see Gurriel coming back for another season for any major league team. He has produced a positive WAR in only one of the last four years. The Marlins would not have a clear plan at first base if Bell decides to opt out of his contract, but expect them to look at options who hit for more power than Yuli does.

If Gurriel does call it a career, he will finish with 12.9 WAR, slashing .281/.326/.440/.766 with 98 home runs, 462 RBIs and a 108 OPS+.

Photo by Danis Sosa/Fish On First