WASHINGTON -- Yulieski Gurriel posed for the camera in a Mets T-shirt, shorts and cap, sitting at a locker with his nameplate above it. Gurriel may not be a Mets employee, but the organization is at least going through the proper avenues to ensure that he could become one.
With general manager Sandy Alderson and top aide J.P. Ricciardi in attendance, Gurriel participated in a private workout Monday morning at the team's Spring Training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. In addition to Alderson and Ricciardi, a group of high-ranking Mets scouts critiqued the 32-year-old Cuban free agent on his hitting skills, defensive work at third base and a host of other measures.
"At this point, he's working out for several teams, and trying to gauge the market for him," Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said.
Gurriel recently participated in a similar workout for the Dodgers in Los Angeles, and may be headed to more stops soon. The Royals, who reportedly harbored interest in Jose Reyes, Giants, Angels, Yankees and Astros could all be interested.
Though Mets insiders have said New York's acquisition of Reyes will not affect its pursuit of Gurriel, that sort of league-wide competition -- Gurriel is reportedly seeking an eight-figure contract -- could knock them out of the running. Since David Wright underwent potentially season-ending neck surgery earlier this month, the Mets have been playing Wilmer Flores most days at third base. That could change as soon as this weekend, once Reyes arrives in New York.
Gurriel is one of the most accomplished players in recent Cuban history, routinely posting OPS figures north of 1.000 in the country's primary domestic league.