The 32-year-old Gurriel, a longtime top player in Cuba, was officially declared a free agent last week, and he has drawn interest from a number of Major League teams and had previously worked out for the Dodgers and Mets. He could make his big league debut this year.
Gurriel, who defected from Cuba after the Caribbean Series in February with his younger brother, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., a top outfield prospect, is one of Cuba's most celebrated players. He represented the country at the Olympics in 2004, and played in all three World Baseball Classic tournaments. He was part of Cuban championship teams at the Pan American Games, Central American Games, World Baseball Championships, the International Cup and Caribbean Series.
Gurriel projects to hit .285 with 15-18 home runs and 85 RBIs. He can play second base and third base, and he has been described as a more fluid and athletic Jeff Kent. Gurriel hit .500/.589/.874 with 15 home runs, 20 doubles and 51 RBIs in 49 games for the Industriales in 2015.
Brian McTaggart has covered the Astros since 2004, and for MLB.com since 2009. Follow @brianmctaggart on Twitter and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Source: Astros work out Cuban star Gurriel
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