New York Yankees Rumors: Cuban Star Yulieski Gourriel Wants To Play For The Yankees

With a below-average record of 20-22, rumors regarding the New York Yankees and how they can improve their roster for the remainder of the 2016 season are heating up. While the Yankees have gotten off to a slower start than they would have hoped, they have improved their play over the past few weeks. Even though the Yankees are currently in last place in the AL East, they are still only 6.5 games of out first place and 4.0 games out of the second Wild Card spot. While he is still waiting for the MLB to declare him eligible to begin negotiations with teams, 31-year-old Cuban star Yulieski Gourriel is hoping to be the player that helps the Yankees make a push for the playoffs this year.

As NJ Advance Media reports, Gourriel recently defected from Cuba in order to come to the United States to join an MLB team. Since his favorite player is Alex Rodriguez, Gourriel has stated numerous times that he would love to become a member of the Yankees. Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman has known Gourriel for years, and he recently spoke to him about potentially signing with New York.

“He has asked me many questions. But that’s normal because, Cuban people, they always want to ask you how’s the baseball at this level, what’s the organization and all that. It’s typical for Cuban people to ask questions about the Yankees. Definitely the environment here is different from anywhere else. I’ve only been with two teams but for me this is the best environment I’ve been in. It’s a nice atmosphere here. The clubhouse, too.”

As Elite Sports NY notes, Gourriel was a top talent during his time playing in Cuba and Japan. Overall, he batted a staggering.335, hit 250 home runs, and notched 1,018 RBIs. At 31-years-old, Gourriel is not exactly a young prospect anymore, but he could have many more years left of productive baseball. The third baseman is also apparently a solid fielder, and he could be an upgrade over what the Yankees currently have at the position.

The biggest obstacle to Gourriel signing with the Yankees could be current third baseman Chase Headley. With a batting average of.215, two home runs, and only nine RBIs, Headley is not exactly playing like the player that the Yankees originally imagined. While Headley’s fielding has improved after a nightmare 2015 season where he had 23 errors, he is unlikely to win a Gold Glove in the near future.

Since Headley is guaranteed to make $13 million a year through 2018, the Yankees’ hands could be tied. While Headley is not living up to his contract, the Yankees may be reluctant to eat the remainder of the money. Traditionally big spenders, it appears as though the Yankees may be changing their philosophy. With a roster full of aging veterans, the Yankees’ long overdue youth movement could finally be happening over the next few years.

Regardless, the Yankees could still give Gourriel a shot if Headley continues to struggle. While Gourriel is far from a sure thing as a major league player, Headley is just not getting the job done. Since the Yankees may be hoping to get rid of their older players with large contracts, it could all come down to money with Gourriel.

As the New York Post reported, the Yankees are interested in Gourriel, but the price could be steep.

“However, because Yulieski is over 23 (he is 31), he can be bid on without restrictions by all 30 teams, and because he has drawn comps to players such as Adrian Beltre and Bobby Grich, he likely will have many suitors.”

Since Gourriel is thought to prefer the Yankees, he could possibly give them a discount. Until Gourriel is approved to begin negotiating with MLB teams, rumors will continue to connect him to the New York Yankees.

[Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]