Phoenix, AZ – In a significant move to strengthen their outfield, the Arizona Diamondbacks have confirmed the signing of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to a three-year contract, with an option for a fourth year. The team made room for Gurriel on their full 40-man roster by designating infielder Diego Castillo for assignment.
A Rising Star in the Outfield
Lourdes Gurriel Jr., 30, has emerged as a notable talent in Major League Baseball. His impressive 2023 season culminated in his first All-Star selection, marking him as one of the top four National League outfielders in Phase 2 voting.
Gurriel’s contributions were pivotal in leading his team to the World Series as a member of the 2023 National League Champions. Throughout the season, he set personal bests across multiple categories, including games played (145), runs (65), hits (144), doubles (35), home runs (24), extra-base hits (61), total bases (255), and walks (33).
Defensive Prowess
Defensively, Gurriel has been a standout, leading his team with eight outfield assists in 2023. His 14 defensive runs saved ranked him fourth among National League outfielders. Since 2021, he has been second only to Steven Kwan of Cleveland in defensive runs saved among left fielders. His 30 outfield assists since 2020 place him third among all outfielders, showcasing his defensive skills.
Offensive Impact
Gurriel’s offensive prowess was evident from March to May, as he ranked among the National League leaders in several categories, including a .311 average, a .906 OPS, and a .547 slugging percentage. In his first season with the D-backs, he posted a .261 batting average and a .772 OPS, contributing significantly to the team’s offense.
During the postseason, Gurriel continued to shine. He hit safely in nine of his final ten games, maintaining a .351 batting average and a .943 OPS. Overall, he had a .273 average in the postseason with 18 hits, including three doubles and three home runs.
Making Room for Gurriel
To accommodate Gurriel’s signing, the Diamondbacks designated infielder Diego Castillo for assignment. Castillo appeared in one game for the D-backs and played 124 games at Triple-A Reno last season.
Looking Ahead
The addition of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to the Diamondbacks’ roster represents a significant enhancement to both their offensive and defensive capabilities. With this new contract, Arizona has secured a valuable player who has demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest levels of the sport. The team and its fans will undoubtedly be eager to see the impact Gurriel can make in the coming seasons.
