Yulieski Gurriel (3B, HOU) - Waiver Wire Pickups

Baller Move: Add in All Leagues

Owned in: 21% of Fleaflicker Leagues

Analysis: The 28-33 range seems to be a fashionable time for veteran stars from South Korea, Japan, and Cuba to finally grace the MLB with their presence. 32-year old Yulieski Gurriel has debuted with a bang in the talented Houston infield. Gurriel was a 15-year veteran of the Cuban and Japanese leagues and throughout that span he produced a slash line of .335/.417/.580, 250 HR, 121 SB, an XBH rate of 11.3%, a walk rate of 11.1%, and a fantastic K rate of 7.8%. He only averaged 315 AB per season. If he would've taken 500 AB per season, based on his statistical paces, he would've averaged 26.5 HR, 963.5 XBH, and 12.8 steals per season. While his steals volume doesn't jump off the page, he has had the inconsistent figures that are common with International veterans. His two best seasons were in 2011 and 2014 when he stole 28 combined bases in 34 attempts for an 82.4% success rate in 367.5 AB per season. In his last 45 AB with Houston he has an .896 OPS, three HR, and a steal. Yulieski Gurriel can play most positions, which will keep him on the field. He has a 15-year track record of plate discipline, contact hitting, power hitting, and sneaky stolen base potential. Ride his wave of trusty skills to October.