Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has really become a key player for the Arizona Diamondbacks after making his mark with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Cuban outfielder’s journey to Major League Baseball started when he signed a seven-year, $22 million contract with the Blue Jays back in 2016.
His talent and steady performance caught plenty of attention, and in December 2023, he signed a three-year contract worth $42 million with the Diamondbacks. That deal covers the 2024-2026 seasons, with a team option for 2027.
For the 2025 season, Gurriel Jr. is earning a salary of $5,400,000, which adds to his estimated net worth of $16,825,926.
He’s the brother of former MLB player Yuli Gurriel, but Lourdes has built his own reputation with his power at the plate and his ability to play all over the field.
The Diamondbacks showed their faith in him with this contract after he helped them during their surprising 2023 playoff run.
His agreement includes $42 million guaranteed, so it’s clear Arizona values what he brings to the table.
At 31 years old in 2025, Gurriel still stands out as a valuable asset in the Diamondbacks’ lineup.
Early Life and Background
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was born on October 10, 1993, in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba.
He grew up in a family with deep baseball roots, so baseball was just a normal part of life for him.
Family and Baseball Heritage
Lourdes comes from one of Cuba’s most respected baseball families.
His father, Lourdes Gurriel Sr., starred for the Cuban national team and grabbed an Olympic gold medal back in 1992.
His older brother, Yulieski Gurriel, found success too, first in Cuba and then in Major League Baseball with the Houston Astros.
The Gurriel name means a lot in Cuban baseball circles.
Growing up, Lourdes got swept up in the baseball culture from day one.
With a family like his, there were always expectations that he’d play the game.
His dad coached and mentored him, passing down a lifetime’s worth of baseball wisdom.
Youth Baseball Development
Gurriel started playing organized baseball early on in Cuba.
He showed off his natural talent right away, thanks in part to his family’s influence.
He developed his skills in Cuba’s youth baseball system, which, let’s be honest, has produced a lot of international stars.
By his teenage years, Gurriel already stood out for his versatile playing style.
He learned to play multiple positions, which isn’t something every young player can do.
At just 16, he jumped into Cuba’s top professional league, Serie Nacional, playing for Sancti SpÃritus.
That early exposure to pro baseball really sped up his development and gave him a sharp baseball IQ.
Despite being so young, Gurriel hit well and played with a maturity that surprised a lot of people.
MLB Career Highlights
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has made his name as a versatile outfielder with some real pop in his bat.
He’s played key roles for two teams, with big moments in the postseason and steady offense year after year.
Toronto Blue Jays Years
Gurriel made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on April 20, 2018.
His rookie season had bright spots, though injuries cut it short.
In 2019, he really found his groove—he hit 20 home runs, drove in 50 RBIs, and finished with a .277 average.
He kept the power going in 2020, even in that weird, shortened season, batting .308 with 11 home runs in just 57 games.
2021 ended up as one of his best years in Toronto, with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs.
He earned a bit of a reputation as a clutch hitter during his Blue Jays tenure.
Toronto also leaned on his defensive versatility. He moved from the infield to become a steady left fielder.
Arizona Diamondbacks Achievements
Arizona acquired Gurriel in December 2022 in a trade that sent Gabriel Moreno to Toronto.
That move gave Gurriel a fresh start.
He made an immediate difference in Arizona, helping turn the Diamondbacks into contenders.
During the 2023 season, Gurriel’s steady bat and better defense played a big part in the team’s success.
He earned a big new contract when he re-signed with Arizona on December 22, 2023—a three-year, $42 million deal.
Gurriel’s mix of average and power at the plate made him a crucial part of Arizona’s offense.
In the clubhouse, his veteran presence and postseason experience gave the young Diamondbacks some much-needed leadership.
World Series and Postseason Impact
Gurriel reached the 2023 World Series with the Diamondbacks, capping off a dramatic postseason run.
He came up with clutch hits in the playoffs, especially in the NLCS, where he helped push Arizona to the Fall Classic.
When the Diamondbacks faced the Texas Rangers and Corey Seager, Gurriel kept his cool in the spotlight.
Arizona didn’t win it all, but Gurriel’s postseason showed he can handle the biggest moments.
He never got a shot at the playoffs with Toronto, so this World Series run definitely added something special to his resume.
Trades and Team Changes
Toronto traded Gurriel to Arizona in December 2022, a move that changed the course of his career.
The Blue Jays sent him and got catching prospect Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Daulton Varsho in return.
Arizona got a flexible outfielder with some power, and Gurriel landed in a spot where he could help a playoff push.
His strong showing in Arizona convinced the team to lock him up with a three-year contract through 2026.
Moving to the National League brought new challenges—different pitchers, new ballparks.
Gurriel adjusted quickly, showing he can adapt to just about anything.
Player Performance and Statistics
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has built a reputation as a steady offensive threat with solid defense.
His stats tell the story of a player who brings a good mix of power and run production.
Batting Skills and Offensive Metrics
Since his MLB debut, Gurriel has become a reliable hitter.
His batting average usually sits between .270 and .290, which isn’t easy to do year after year.
In 2022, before joining Arizona, he hit .291 with Toronto.
He’s not a pure slugger, but his offensive production includes solid power numbers.
His slugging percentage usually lands in the mid-.400s, so he hits his share of extra-base hits.
One thing that stands out: Gurriel often comes through in clutch situations.
His wRC+ numbers show he’s generally above average compared to the rest of the league.
Fielding and Defensive Contributions
Gurriel has always shown a lot of versatility on defense.
He started out as an infielder, playing shortstop and second base, but eventually moved to left field.
His arm strength really jumps out—he’s thrown out plenty of runners trying to take extra bases.
Baserunners have learned to be careful when he’s got the ball.
With Arizona, Gurriel has kept up his strong play as a left fielder.
His defensive numbers have improved since his early days, which says a lot about his work ethic.
Notable Home Runs and Grand Slams
Gurriel has delivered some clutch home runs over the years.
He usually hits 15-20 homers a season—not quite elite power, but definitely respectable.
One of his best moments came with Toronto, when he hit a grand slam against the Red Sox at Fenway.
He’s had a knack for grand slams, delivering in big spots with the bases loaded.
During hot streaks, he can pile up home runs in a hurry.
In July 2021, he homered in three straight games, showing just how dangerous he can be at the plate.
With the Diamondbacks, he’s kept up that power, making him a key part of their lineup.
RBI and Run Production
Gurriel consistently drives in runs.
He usually racks up 50-65 RBIs each year, sometimes more if he’s batting in a good spot in the lineup.
He’s especially valuable with runners in scoring position, often going the other way to bring in runs.
He’s never really been in the MVP conversation, but his run production makes him a steady contributor.
His RBI totals, plus his own runs scored—usually 50-60 a season—give him a pretty well-rounded offensive profile.
Arizona counts on him for RBIs in the heart of their lineup, and he’s delivered.
Contract Details and Market Status
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. landed a big contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks in December 2023.
His current deal shows how much teams value reliable outfielders who can hit.
Current Contract Structure
Gurriel is now playing under a three-year, $42 million contract with Arizona, signed on December 22, 2023.
This covers the 2024-2026 seasons, with his 2025 salary set at $5,400,000.
The contract includes a team option for 2027, so Arizona can keep him around if things keep going well.
He gets guaranteed money, and the team gets some flexibility.
His annual average value—$14 million—puts him right in the middle tier for MLB outfielders.
That feels about right for a guy with his steady production.
Previous Salary Agreements
Before this contract, Gurriel played through his arbitration years, gradually boosting his salary.
His journey to MLB started when he defected from Cuba and signed with Toronto.
The Blue Jays gave him a seven-year, $22 million deal in November 2016, which was a big investment for an international player with little North American experience.
After the trade to Arizona, Gurriel played the 2023 season before hitting free agency.
His solid numbers and defensive flexibility in Arizona set him up nicely for his current deal.
Free Agency and Open Market Value
When Gurriel hit the free agent market after the 2023 season, he came off a strong year with the Diamondbacks, including that World Series run. He really picked the perfect time to test his value.
A few things played into what teams were willing to offer:
- He was 30 when signing.
- He could play multiple defensive positions.
- He kept producing at the plate.
- He had postseason experience under his belt.
- Teammates respected his clubhouse presence.
The Diamondbacks chose to bring Gurriel back because they trusted he’d keep producing. Sure, $42 million is a big commitment, but it’s still less than what the top outfielders are getting these days.
His net worth sits at about $16,825,926, and that number’s only going up with his current deal.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has stacked up solid wealth thanks to his MLB contracts and some smart moves off the field. His net worth reflects not just his playing salary but also his business sense.
Career Earnings and Endorsements
Gurriel Jr. kicked off his financial journey in 2016 when he signed a seven-year, $22 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays after leaving Cuba. That deal gave him a solid foundation as he started out in the majors.
His earning power jumped in December 2023 when he signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Now he’s pulling in an average of $14 million a year.
By 2025, Gurriel Jr.’s net worth is estimated at $16,825,926, and that’s still climbing. He’s not quite at the top of the MLB salary charts, but honestly, he’s doing just fine.
Financial Investments and Assets
Gurriel Jr. hasn’t put all his eggs in the baseball basket. He’s kept pretty quiet about most of his investments, but people know he owns real estate in Florida and Arizona.
Baseball runs deep in his family—his brother Yulieski played in MLB too—so Gurriel Jr. picked up some financial smarts early on. The brothers invest in Cuban-American businesses around the southern U.S., or so the reports say.
Even with his earnings, Gurriel Jr. lives pretty modestly compared to some other athletes. He owns a few properties, but you won’t see him in the headlines for flashy spending or financial drama.
His financial team has set up his contracts to keep his future secure, mixing in deferred payments and investment options as part of the plan.
Relationships and Teammates
Family and friendships have shaped Gurriel Jr.’s baseball journey in a big way. His connections stretch from his baseball roots in Cuba to the clubhouses in Toronto and Arizona.
Family Connections in MLB
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. comes from a baseball family that’s about as famous as it gets. His dad, Lourdes Gurriel Sr., was a Cuban baseball legend and won Olympic gold in 1992.
His older brother, Yulieski “Yuli” Gurriel, built a strong MLB career (mostly with Houston) and won a World Series in 2017. The Gurriel brothers even made history by homering on the same day as rookies.
Their cousin, Yuniesky Gurriel, played pro ball in Cuba too. Growing up in this family gave Lourdes a pretty unique perspective on the game, and it’s been a huge support system throughout his career.
Notable Teammates and Partnerships
When Gurriel played for the Toronto Blue Jays, he really clicked with a few standout teammates. He teamed up with George Springer in the outfield and built a good connection with infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr..
He worked well with catchers Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk. Together, they helped guide Toronto’s pitching staff throughout his time there.
After he moved to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Gurriel wasted no time fitting in with new faces like Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll. Their combined offense played a big role in pushing Arizona to the World Series in 2023.
Teammates and coaches often praise Gurriel for his upbeat attitude in the clubhouse. Honestly, his willingness to mentor younger players stands out.
He speaks both Spanish and English, which actually makes him a real asset for bridging communication gaps in MLB clubhouses that are, let’s face it, pretty diverse.
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s