Lourdes Gurriel Jr, a Cuban professional baseball player, has been making his mark in Major League Baseball since his debut in 2018. Over the years, Gurriel has displayed impressive skills both on the field and with the bat.
With his remarkable performances, fans and critics alike have been debating whether he truly is a good player. In this article, we will delve deeper into Gurriel’s statistics and performances to determine whether he is a good player.
Batting performance
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is a professional baseball player from Cuba who is currently playing for the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball (MLB).
He has been with the team since 2018 and has shown steady improvement in his batting performance over the years. This essay will focus on his batting statistics for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, as well as a comparison with other players in the league.
Batting Performance in 2020
In the shortened 2020 season, Gurriel played in 57 games and had an impressive batting average of .308. He hit 11 home runs and 33 RBIs, which were both career highs at the time.
He also showed improvement in his fielding skills, which earned him a nomination for the Gold Glove Award. Gurriel’s performance was a significant factor in the Blue Jays’ success in reaching the playoffs that year.
Improvement in 2021
In 2021, Gurriel’s improvement in batting continued as he set new career highs in several categories. He played in 141 games and had a batting average of .276, which was an improvement over his 2020 performance.
He hit 21 home runs, which was more than double what he achieved last year. He also had 84 RBIs, which were the second-highest in his career. This performance helped the Blue Jays reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Comparisons with Other Players in the League
Gurriel’s 2021 batting performance was among the best in the league. He ranked eighth in the American League in RBIs and home runs and was 11th in hits. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .807 was also above the league average.
While he did not win any individual awards, he was recognized as an important player for the Blue Jays. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has shown consistent improvement in his batting performance since joining the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018.
He had a career year in 2021, setting new highs in several categories and being recognized as a key player on a playoff team. His success at the plate and in the field make him a valuable asset for the Blue Jays and a player to watch in the league.
Defense and Gold Glove nomination
Overview of Gurriel’s defensive skills
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has been improving his defensive skills since he came into the league in 2018, mostly playing in left field. With his natural athleticism, he has been able to move around the outfield while showcasing his arm strength and speed. Additionally, his quick reflexes allow him to make tough plays look routine.
Gurriel’s growth as a defender was seen this season when he was selected as one of three finalists for the Gold Glove award in left field in the American League.
He showed improved range, making some eye-catching plays in the outfield, and his arm strength was a weapon against runners trying to advance an extra base. Overall, he proved to be a valuable asset in the field for the Blue Jays.
Analysis of his chances of winning a Gold Glove
Although Gurriel was a finalist this year, he was edged out by Kansas City’s Alex Gordon, who took home his eighth Gold Glove award. Gurriel’s defensive improvements were recognized by the league, but he fell just short of winning the award.
However, Gurriel’s chances of winning Gold Gloves in the future are definitely high, especially if he continues to improve his defensive skills.
Comparisons with other outfielders in the league
Gurriel’s improvements in 2020 were impressive, and when compared to other left-fielders in the league, he held his own. He had a .986 fielding percentage, which was higher than the league average of .981.
His total zone runs (TZR) was 2, which indicates he made two fewer runs allowed than the average left fielder. This shows that Gurriel is in the upper echelon of left-fielders defensively.
Additionally, Gurriel’s arm strength was also noteworthy. He had six outfield assists, tied for third-most in the American League among left fielders. This indicates that his arm is a valuable weapon in the field, and he can make a difference in games, even with his arm alone.
In summary, Gurriel’s 2020 season was impressive from both an offensive and defensive standpoint, and he proved himself to be a valuable asset to the Blue Jays.
Although he fell just short of winning the Gold Glove award this year, his continued growth as a defender makes it likely he will be in the running to win it in the coming years.
Potential for growth and development
The Historical Trajectory of Gurriel’s Career
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is a talented outfielder from Cuba who started his professional career with the Industriales of the Cuban National Series. He’s a highly-rated prospect who signed an international deal with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2016, as a 22-year-old.
Gurriel made his debut for Toronto in April 2018 and played 64 games for the Blue Jays, hitting .281 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs.
After struggling in his first month, Gurriel put together a four-game streak of multi-hit games from May 12-15, becoming the first Toronto rookie to accomplish that feat since Junior Felix in 1989.
Gurriel also made history in September of that year, when he became the first player to hit two grand slams in his first 35 career games.
In 2019, Gurriel split time between Triple-A Buffalo and the Blue Jays, catching fire in June and July, hitting .337 with 10 homers and 24 RBIs in 35 games before a left quad strain put him on the injured list.
Factors that may impact his future career growth
As with any player, multiple factors can impact future career growth. For Gurriel, these include his performance, health, and the team he plays for.
It’s worth noting that in 2021, Gurriel ranked 28th among all Major League outfielders in WAR, or Wins Above Replacement, an advanced statistic that measures a player’s total contribution to their team relative to a replacement-level player.
Gurriel has struggled with injuries in the past, but in 2021, he played in a career-high 141 games, which bodes well for his future. Another factor that may affect his growth is the Blue Jays team itself.
The Jays have a wealth of talent and young players like Alejandro Kirk, Kevin Smith, and Austin Martin, who could push Gurriel for playing time in the future.
Potential future contributions to the Toronto Blue Jays team
Looking at Gurriel’s performance over the past few years, there is no doubt that he has established himself as a key player for the Blue Jays. If he stays healthy, Gurriel could continue to improve and become an even more significant contributor to the team.
In addition to his offense, Gurriel’s defense has taken a step forward year over year, and his power at the plate is dangerous for any opposing pitcher.
The 28-year-old outfielder has shown a great deal of potential, and with the right development, he could develop into an All-Star-caliber player over the next few years. Overall, Gurriel’s future with the Blue Jays looks bright.
Team and fan perspective
Importance of Gurriel to the Toronto Blue Jays team
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is a valuable asset to the Toronto Blue Jays team. He is considered one of the team’s most consistent players on both offense and defense. His versatility to play both left field and first base makes him an important piece of the team’s puzzle.
He has been a consistent player for the Jays, with a batting average of .308 in 2020 and .276 in 2021. He has also been a reliable fielder, earning a Gold Glove nomination in 2020.
Gurriel’s impact on the Blue Jays team cannot be overstated, and his presence on the field elevates the team’s performance.
Reception of Gurriel by Fans and Media
Gurriel is highly regarded by both the fans and the media. His performances on the field have earned him a significant fanbase. Fans admire his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure.
He has had several memorable moments on the field during his time with the Blue Jays, such as hitting a grand slam against the Yankees, driving in five runs in a game against the Rangers, and hitting a walk-off home run against the Royals.
His efforts on the field have earned him praise from the media, who have compared him to some of the best players in the league.
Comparisons with other players on the team
When compared to other players on the team, Gurriel stands out as one of the Blue Jays’ most consistent players. He has proven to be a reliable hitter and fielder, earning a regular spot in the team’s starting lineup.
While other players have had a good season or two, Gurriel’s consistency is what sets him apart. His efforts have earned him a place in conversations about the team’s core players, alongside stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.
In conclusion, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is an important player for the Toronto Blue Jays. His consistency on both offense and defense makes him a valuable asset to the team.
Gurriel has earned a strong following from fans and the media, who admire his performances on the field. When compared to other players on the team, Gurriel’s consistency stands out, earning him a spot as one of the team’s core players.
What Happened to Lourdes Gurriel Jr?
Injury and Surgery
Lourdes Gurriel Jr, a talented left fielder, suffered from wrist troubles throughout the 2020 season, leading him to undergo surgery in October.
Spring Training Return
After a long recovery, Gurriel has returned to the field for the spring opener and is set to play left field in the upcoming game against the Rockies.
Batting Third in Lineup
Gurriel has also been given a prime position in the batting lineup, slated to bat third in Saturday’s split-squad game.
Past Success
Despite his injury setback, Gurriel has demonstrated his prowess as a hitter, ending the 2020 season with a .308 batting average and eight home runs.
Hopes for the Future
As Gurriel returns to the field, there is optimism for his continued success and his ability to contribute to the Toronto Blue Jays’ winning efforts in the upcoming season.
Do the Blue Jays Have Any Cuban Players?
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is a Cuban baseball player in the Blue Jays roster. His family is also known for their baseball prowess in Cuba. Gurriel Jr. left Cuba in 2016 to pursue a career in Major League Baseball.
He signed with the Blue Jays in November 2016. Gurriel Jr. made his Major League debut in 2018. He primarily plays at second base and shortstop. Gurriel Jr.’s older brother, Yulieski Gurriel, plays for the Houston Astros.
The Gurriels are one of the most famous baseball families in Cuba. The Blue Jays have also had other Cuban players in the past, including Kendrys Morales. The team is known for its international scouting efforts, including in Cuba.
Why Was Gurriel Removed From Roster?
Houston Astros’ Yuli Gurriel was removed from the World Series roster. This came after he suffered a knee injury during Game 5. The Astros won Game 5 with a score of 3-2. Gurriel was the first baseman for the team.
He has been a reliable player for the Astros all season. The injury was serious enough to warrant removal from the roster. The Astros will now have to play without one of their key players. This is a major setback for the team.
The World Series is a high-stakes event, and injuries can have significant consequences. The Astros will have to adjust their strategy in light of Gurriel’s absence.
To Recap
After analyzing Lourdes Gurriel Jr’s performances, it is safe to say that he is a good player. Gurriel’s batting average, home runs, and RBIs have consistently improved over the years, leading him to set career highs in the 2021 season.
His fielding skills have also been impressive, making him a finalist for the Gold Glove in 2020. Gurriel’s contributions to the Toronto Blue Jays have been remarkable, and he is no doubt a valuable asset to the team.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr is indeed a good player, and his performances continue to prove that.
