Arizona Diamondbacks Released Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
The team officially parted ways with the 32-year-old outfielder after designating him for assignment.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Baseball
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The Arizona Diamondbacks have released outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. following his designation for assignment on September 13, 2026. The move concludes his tenure with the club after he struggled during the 2026 season.
Why it matters
The decision follows Gurriel’s significant decline in production since returning from a 2025 ACL injury. The team is now obligated to pay a $5 million buyout associated with his 2027 contract option.
Gurriel finished his 2026 campaign batting .210 with two home runs and 22 RBIs across 51 games. His career batting average remains .271 over nine seasons.
The players
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
He is a 32-year-old professional baseball outfielder with nine seasons of major league experience.
Arizona Diamondbacks
This is a professional Major League Baseball franchise based in Phoenix.
The details
Gurriel, who previously earned an All-Star selection in 2023, struggled to return to form after tearing his ACL in 2025. Following his return to the field on April 18, 2026, he failed to regain his previous offensive output before being designated for assignment.
Timeline
Gurriel earned an All-Star selection in 2023.
The outfielder tore his ACL in 2025.
Gurriel returned to play from his injury on April 18, 2026.
The Diamondbacks designated Gurriel for assignment on September 13, 2026.
The team released Gurriel on September 18, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The release marks a significant shift in the Diamondbacks' roster composition as the team adjusts its payroll and outfield depth for the future. This move clears a spot while addressing the financial obligation of the 2027 contract option.
The Diamondbacks now face a $5 million buyout payment for the 2027 option year. The removal of Gurriel from the active roster creates an immediate opening for the team to evaluate other players during the remainder of the season.
The takeaway
Teams often evaluate player production against the cost of guaranteed buyouts when managing end-of-season rosters. Fans may see the Diamondbacks utilize this extra roster spot to test younger talent before the off-season begins.
Further reading
For more news on the league and roster adjustments, visit the Baseball section.
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