Astros sign Cuban free agent Gurriel to $47.5M, 5-year deal

Cuba second baseman Yulieski Gurriel. (Ricardo Arduengo/AP)

HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have signed international free agent Yulieski Gurriel to a $47.5 million, five-year contract.

Gurriel was one of the most sought international free agents since defecting from Cuba in February after competing in the Caribbean World Series in the Dominican Republic. He is 32 years old and was declared a free agent last month.

Gurriel is primarily a third baseman but also has played second base and shortstop. He was an Olympian in 2004 and 2008.

In 15 seasons in Cuba, he is a.335 hitter with 250 homers and 1,018 RBIs. Last season, he hit .500 with 15 homers and 51 RBIs in just 49 games for Industriales.

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