Skip to content

Report: Red Sox, Astros among teams interested in Lourdes Gurriel

MLB.com

Cuban phenom Lourdes Gurriel Jr. apparently impressed during his open showcase earlier this month.

At least six teams - including the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, and Houston Astros - are reportedly setting up private workouts with the 22-year-old, according to Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball.

The other teams looking for a private audition are not yet known.

It's likely that Gurriel will wait to sign until after his 23rd birthday on Oct. 10, in order to be exempt from international bonus rules. Due to penalties handed down by Major League Baseball for exceeding their bonus limits in past years, the Red Sox would not be allowed to sign Gurriel until that time.

Gurriel, ranked as the sixth-best international prospect by MLB Pipeline, posted a .277/.362/.426 slash line with 27 home runs and 23 stolen bases during his six seasons in Cuba's Serie Nacional while playing multiple positions in both the infield and outfield. His showcase in Panama City, Panama earlier this month attracted at least 60 scouts.

Gurriel and his brother Yulieski - who made his big-league debut with the Astros in August - defected from Cuba in February 2016.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox