MADRID, Spain.- This weekend Yuli Gurriel made his long-awaited return to the Major Leaguesnow with the Kansas City RoyalsAt 40 years old, his return not only represents a significant personal achievement, but also contributes to tying the record for most Cuban players in a single MLB season. With his promotion, the number of active Cuban players in 2024 reaches 33, and ties the record set in 2022.
Gurriel also becomes the first Cuban to debut with a new team in MLB at age 40 or older since José Ariel Contreras in 2013.
This Sunday, in his first game with the Royals, the last of the series against the Houston Astros, Gurriel occupied the seventh spot in the lineup as the designated hitter. During the game he had one hit in three at-bats and drove in one run, registering a batting average of .333 in his debut with Kansas City. This return had a special meaning as it was against the Astros, the team with which he debuted in the Major Leagues and with which he won two World Series (2017 and 2022).
A Gold Glove winner at first base, Gurriel joins the list of Cuban players who have worn the Royals uniform, becoming the 18th Cuban to do so since Jackie Hernandez opened that list in 1969. Other notable names who have played for Kansas City include: Kendrys MoralesJorge Soler and Aroldis Chapman.
Gurriel’s return to the MLB was preceded by an outstanding performance in the Triple-A league with the Gwinnett Stripers, an affiliate of the Atlanta Braveswhere he posted a batting average of .292, with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs. This performance caught the attention of the Royals, who decided to sign him, giving him the opportunity to return to the Major Leagues after his departure from the Miami Marlins in October 2023.
