Toronto Blue Jays: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. might see a little time at first this season
By Yusseff Diaz
Even though Lourdes Gurriel Jr led all AL left-fielders in assist last season, the Toronto Blue Jays might consider using him at first base this year.
Toronto Blue Jays utility man Lourdes Gurriel Jr is the son of baseball royalty. his father Lourdes Sr was a star with the Sancti Spiritus Roosters and the Cuban National Team.
Gurriel Jr. signed with the Blue Jays in 2017 for $22M over seven years.
The youngest of the Gurriel clan came into his own last season with the Jays and might be the main cog of the Canadian team’s lineup for years to come.
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Although he made a home for himself last year in the outfield, there’s a great possibility that he might also play some first base this year due to the fact that Travis Shaw is the only established player on the depth chart this spring at the position.
Charlie Montoyo let it be known to MLB.COM that the young Cuban would be playing the position this upcoming season, “I can imagine him helping us at the position next season.”
Montoyo continued, “He could play some first base for us against left-handers, especially since he has good hands at the position. But at the moment he’s our left-fielder. ”
His nine assists last season led American League for left fielders.
Gurriel ‘s potent bat will definitely keep him in the lineup plenty next year no matter what position he lines up at.
In a season in which he only appeared in 84 games due to various injuries and a trip to the minors, he hit .277 with 20 home runs and 50 runs batted in.
If we were to look at more advanced stats, they also show he had a productive 2019 MLB season. The Toronto Blue Jays utility man had a BABIP of .318, wOBA of .358 and an wRC of 124.
More. Rolando Arrojo, "Typhoon" of San Juan Yeras. light
If Lourdes Gurriel Jr.can keep himself healthy he can definitely be a force and a potential all-star.