Cuban infielder Yulieski Gourriel has signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract with the Houston Astros, according to multiple reports.
Declared a free agent in June after defecting from Cuba, Gourriel, who gained interest from multiple teams, had a private workout for the Mets in Port St. Lucie in late June. Reports indicated that the Mets held interest in the infielder but were unlikely to sign him.
According to Mets general manager Sandy Alderson, Gourriel would need at least a month in the minor leagues before going to the majors.
The 32-year-old hit .335 with a .