MLB 2023 | Yuli is close to signing, W. Sox will offer Colás opportunities, López won't pitch in WBC

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2022-2023 offseason. A compendium from several sources

Yulieski Gurriel (Photo: Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Marlins are moving towards an agreement with free agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel.

Feinsand adds that no deal has been finalized yet, but the Marlins appears to be close to the finish line. Gurriel turns 39 years old this season, and is coming off a right knee injury that he sustained in the Fall Classic, but would give Miami another solid veteran bat in their lineup. He'd likely split time with Garrett Cooper at first base this upcoming season, but it's possible there are more moves coming for the Marlins before spring training. As Gurriel's market heats up, the Marlins are the only team previously reported as being interested. This week, Minnesota and Miami collaborated on a trade to send Luis Arraez to South Beach, which will free up Gurriel for first base duties (Chisholm Jr. will move to center field). After seven seasons in Houston, Gurriel became a free agent this winter. With the Astros, the 38-year-old had some very successful seasons, but his production dipped significantly in 2022. Over 584 plate appearances last year, he hit just .242/.288/.360 with eight home runs. He finished with a wRC+ of 85, about 15 percent lower than average and well down from his previous 132 mark.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said on Saturday in a radio interview with 670 The Score that top prospect Oscar Colás will be "given every opportunity" this spring to win the starting job in right field.

Colás signed with the White Sox as an international free agent last offseason and tore the cover off the ball last season in the upper minors, slashing .314/.424/.645 with 23 homers and three steals across 536 plate appearances over three levels. The 24-year-old will compete in the Cactus League with the likes of Gavin Sheets, Victor Reyes, Leury Garcia and Jake Marisnick for the starting job in right field. There's a decent chance that he makes Chicago's season-opening roster and he could make an immediate impact in the team.

RHP Yoán López won’t pitch for Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball Classic

In the weeks following his announcement on Cuba's preliminary roster for the international competition, López declined the invitation to play for Team Cuba. As reported on the Cuban Baseball Federation's Twitter account, López appreciated the call, but declined to join the Cuban team for the V World Baseball Classic. "We respect your willingness to focus on matters related to your signing with the Yomiuri Giants. Thank you for wishing us success. There will be other opportunities.", read the Twitter notification.