As we approach the end of June, the baseball trade season will soon begin to heat up. However, for teams in need of some offensive help, there is an alternative to making a trade, and that is Cuban third baseman Yulieski Gourriel , who was recently declared a free agent eligible to sign with any team. Here are five teams that have a need and could choose to pursue Gourriel.
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5. New York Yankees
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The Yankees aren't a perfect fit for Gourriel, but they aren't all that enamored with Chase Headley at third base. They've been known to throw money at their problems, so there's always a chance they make a run at Gourriel.
The Yankees aren't a perfect fit for Gourriel, but they aren't all that enamored with Chase Headley at third base. They've been known to throw money at their problems, so there's always a chance they make a run at Gourriel.
4. Houston Astros
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Houston is creeping back into contention, and Gourriel could provide an added boost. Putting Gourriel at third base could make Houston's lineup look a lot more formidable and help the Astros keep rolling throughout the second half of the season.
Houston is creeping back into contention, and Gourriel could provide an added boost. Putting Gourriel at third base could make Houston's lineup look a lot more formidable and help the Astros keep rolling throughout the second half of the season.
3. New York Mets
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With David Wright out indefinitely, the Mets may be looking to acquire a third baseman like Gourriel. Of course, the Mets need help now, so they may not want to wait long to get him. Gourriel may also not fit on a long-term deal.
With David Wright out indefinitely, the Mets may be looking to acquire a third baseman like Gourriel. Of course, the Mets need help now, so they may not want to wait long to get him. Gourriel may also not fit on a long-term deal.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
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The Dodgers have not been shy about signing Cuban players in the past, so that puts Gourriel on their radar. L.A. could also use a boost to catch the Giants, and their future at both third base and second base is uncertain beyond this year.
The Dodgers have not been shy about signing Cuban players in the past, so that puts Gourriel on their radar. L.A. could also use a boost to catch the Giants, and their future at both third base and second base is uncertain beyond this year.
1. Kansas City Royals
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Mike Moustakas is out for the season, so Gourriel would be perfect to fill-in at third base for the rest of 2016. Next year, Gourriel could slide over to second base, a position where the Royals have some uncertainty for the future.
Mike Moustakas is out for the season, so Gourriel would be perfect to fill-in at third base for the rest of 2016. Next year, Gourriel could slide over to second base, a position where the Royals have some uncertainty for the future.