HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have agreed to terms with first baseman Yuli Gurriel on a one-year contract extension covering the 2021 season. The deal also includes a club option for 2022. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager James Click.
Gurriel, 36, has spent the last five seasons in Houston, combining to record a .287 (565x1971) batting average with 71 home runs and 301 RBI. Since signing with the Astros in 2016, Gurriel ranks second in batting average, fourth in RBI, fourth in SLG (.478), fourth in extra-base hits (168) and sixth in OPS (.808) amongst American League first basemen. He had his best season in 2019, where he hit .298 with career highs in HR (31), RBI (104) and OPS (.884). Since 2017, his .995 fielding pct. at first base ranks third among AL first basemen while his 405 games played rank second among AL first basemen in that span. He has also played 91 games at third base, 20 at second base and two at shortstop in his Major League career.
Prior to signing this deal, Gurriel would have been eligible for free agency following the 2020 season.