Breaking News: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Returning to the Diamondbacks
Free agent outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is reported to be in agreement with the Diamondbacks to return to the club. This was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.
According to Jeff Passan the deal is for three years and $42 million with a club option for a fourth season. Gurriel also has an opt out after the second year. Per Bob Nightengale, the D-backs are still not done, as they're still in the market for a DH, with both J.D. Martinez and Justin Turner on their radar. The D-backs were already on the cusp of setting a franchise payroll record before this agreement. This deal drives them up over $140 million unless there are significant funds deferred.
Gurriel played left field (95 games) and DH (50) for the D-backs last year, batting .261/.309/.463, .772 OPS with 24 homers and 82 RBI. He also had the best defensive season of his career, putting up +14 defensive runs saved in just 778 innings in left field.
The D-backs have been in search for a right handed bat since Gurriel, Tommy Pham and Evan Longoria all became free agents. Gurriel is a teammate and fan favorite. Known for his flamboyant purple hair and ever present smile, the Diamondbacks are bringing back a known positive force to their clubhouse. He spoke effusively near the end of the world series about how much he loved playing here as well.
