Padres Bring Yuli Gurriel Aboard: Can He and Yu Darvish Move Past Their 2017 Controversy?
The San Diego Padres have made headlines by signing veteran first baseman Yuli Gurriel to a minor league deal, setting the stage for an unexpected reunion with pitcher Yu Darvish. While Gurriel is not immediately set to play alongside Darvish in the majors, the move has sparked discussions about their past conflict and how they will coexist within the organization.
Before finalizing the signing, Padres manager Mike Shildt confirmed that Darvish was consulted and had no objections. This reassurance from the team’s ace was crucial, given their history dating back to the 2017 World Series.
Revisiting the 2017 Incident
The tension between Gurriel and Darvish stems from an incident during Game 3 of the 2017 World Series, when Gurriel, then playing for the Houston Astros, made an insensitive racial gesture toward Darvish, who was pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The action led to a five-game suspension for Gurriel at the start of the 2018 season, and he later issued a public apology. Darvish, for his part, accepted the apology and urged everyone to move on.
Mike Shildt says AJ Preller spoke to Yu Darvish before signing Yuri Gurriel@SportingTrib pic.twitter.com/LTmZkJotUE
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) February 18, 2025
Now, nearly eight years later, both players find themselves under the same franchise for the first time. Despite no previous signs of camaraderie between them, Padres management believes the two can move past their history in pursuit of a successful season.
Why Did the Padres Sign Gurriel?
The Padres’ decision to bring in Gurriel is primarily aimed at improving their offensive depth. At 40 years old, he still possesses valuable experience and the ability to contribute at first base. With Luis Arraez currently the team’s first-choice option at the position but also being considered for designated hitter (DH) duties, there is potential for Gurriel to carve out a role in the majors.
During recent training sessions, Gurriel showcased his batting ability, including hitting a home run off Padres starter Michael King. This glimpse of his power at the plate suggests that he could still be a useful asset if called up later in the season.
Meanwhile, Darvish remains a key player for the Padres’ rotation. Coming off a strong 2024 campaign with a 7-3 record, a 3.31 ERA, and 78 strikeouts, he is expected to be a reliable force on the mound once again. With the team counting on him to maintain his high performance, the presence of Gurriel in the organization adds an intriguing dynamic.
Darvish’s Response to Gurriel’s Signing
Despite the lingering history between them, Darvish has maintained a professional approach regarding Gurriel’s addition to the team. According to Padres general manager A.J. Preller, Darvish was informed of the potential signing and responded by emphasizing that he wanted the situation to be treated as if nothing had happened in the past.
This response highlights the theme of grace and forgiveness that Padres manager Mike Shildt pointed out when discussing the matter. The organization believes that both players are committed to focusing on baseball and contributing to the team’s success.
What’s Next for Gurriel?
Although Gurriel begins the season in the minor leagues, his performance and the team’s needs could determine whether he gets a major league call-up. Having played 75 games for Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate last year, he has shown that he can still be a factor at a high level.
If Arraez transitions to DH full-time, the first base position could open up for Gurriel. However, if Arraez remains at first, Gurriel might have to compete for a spot in the lineup as a designated hitter.
A Season of Intrigue for the Padres
The Padres’ roster decisions this season will be closely watched, particularly in regard to how Gurriel and Darvish coexist. If they can put their history behind them and perform at a high level, it could turn out to be a successful move for the team.
As the season unfolds, the question remains: Can Gurriel and Darvish truly move on, or will their past create lingering tensions? The answer will reveal itself as the Padres push forward in their pursuit of success.