Breaking: Braves Officially Trade Another 2-time World Series champ To Rivals

*Braves Trade Veteran Infielder  to Royals**

The Kansas City Royals made several roster moves this weekend, including acquiring veteran infielder Yuli Gurriel from the Atlanta Braves. Gurriel, a two-time World Series champion, spent the entire 2024 season in the Braves’ minor league system.

On Saturday, the Royals claimed outfielders Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman off waivers before securing Gurriel in a trade with the Braves. This transaction was possible even after the trade deadline because Gurriel hadn’t played in the major leagues this season, remaining with the Braves’ Triple-A team throughout 2024. In exchange for the eight-year veteran, the Royals will send cash considerations to the Braves, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post on X.

During his seven seasons with the Houston Astros, Gurriel won two World Series titles and four American League pennants. He finished fourth in the 2017 Rookie of the Year voting and had a standout year in 2021, capturing the American League batting title with a .319 average and earning a Gold Glove at first base.

**Royals Strengthen Infield with Acquisition of Yuli Gurriel**

After a subpar 2022 season, Gurriel left the Astros and joined the Miami Marlins. However, his stint with Miami was underwhelming, as he posted a .663 OPS and an OPS+ of 77 over 108 games. Following two consecutive disappointing seasons, Gurriel signed a minor league deal with the Braves for 2024.

While playing for the Gwinnett Stripers, the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate, the 40-year-old infielder delivered a solid performance. He recorded a .292/.378/.485 slash line, with 18 doubles, 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 38 runs scored in 75 games. Impressively, Gurriel also stole 11 bases, surpassing his best major league total by three.

The Braves are currently three games ahead of the New York Mets for the final National League Wild Card spot, despite dealing with numerous injuries this season. Although they could use more depth, the presence of two-time All-Star Matt Olson at first base left little need for Gurriel.

Meanwhile, the Royals, now just 2.5 games behind the first-place Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central and holding the second AL Wild Card spot, have bolstered their roster by adding Gurriel, Pham, and Grossman.