Why did Yuli Gurriel leave the Astros? Will the batting champ's veteran presence inspire his team to new heights?

For the first time in Yuli Gurriel's career, the veteran first baseman will not be wearing a Houston Astros uniform during the regular season. The 38-year-old, who remained on the free agent market until this week, has reportedly reached an agreement to join the Miami Marlins.

"The Miami Marlins are signing Yuli Gurriel, per @Ken_Rosenthal" - FOX Sports: MLB

Last season with the Houston Astros, he hit .242 with eight home runs and 53 RBIs. While 2022 was a bit of a down year, he was electric in 2021, hitting .319 with 15 home runs and 81 RBIs, en route to the American League batting title.

While the move may come as disappointing news to Houston Astros fans, it was not entirely surprising, as the Miami Marlins have been linked to the first baseman all offseason. Details surrounding the contract have yet to be released, however, the club did offer Gurriel a one-year, $3 million deal earlier in the offseason.

"Jose Abreu with his first home run of the spring with the defending champs" - FOX Sports: MLB

However, the move may ultimately become beneficial for the veteran as he will likely see an expanded role with the Marlins. After the Astros brought in former National League MVP Jose Abreu to play first base, Yuli Gurriel's time with Houston appeared to be over.

He should help the Miami Marlins offense this season, which has already gone through a major overhaul following a disappointing campaign last year. The team made several key moves, including signing veteran free agent Jean Segura and acquiring American League batting champ Luis Arraez.

"#Marlins with new arrivals Jean Segura and Luis Arraez on TikTok" - Jonathan

The Marlins elected to turn some of their pitching depth into additional help on offense by sending Pablo Lopez to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Luis Arraez. While Arraez doesn't provide much help in the power rankings, his elite contact hitting should provide the Marlins with more run-scoring opportunities.

The additions of Yuli Gurriel, Jean Segura, and Luis Arraez, as well as a healthy Jazz Chisholm, will likely help turn around the Marlins' dismal offense from last season.

A reflection on Yuli Gurriel's tenure with the Houston Astros

Now that his time with the Astros has officially come to an end, fans of the club have taken a moment to appreciate everything the Cuban first baseman did for the club.

"Here’s to you, Yuli Gurriel. Thanks for everything." - The Crawfish Boxes

During his time with the Houston Astros, Gurriel won two World Series titles, a Gold Glove Award, and the 2021 AL batting title.