Miami Marlins reportedly reach an agreement with a former high-profile prospect.
Former highly-touted prospect Vladimir Gutierrez, hailing from Cuba and previously associated with the Cincinnati Reds, has inked a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.
As shared by Cuban Baseball Insider Francys Romero on social media, the Miami Marlins have enlisted Cuban right-handed pitcher Vladimir Gutiérrez for a minor league deal, extending a non-roster invitation to the Major League camp, according to sources.
Gutierrez, aged 29, holds a career record of 10-12 with a 5.44 ERA. He missed the entire 2023 Major League season due to Tommy John surgery but managed to log 6.1 rehab innings.
In November, MLB Trade Rumors provided additional insights into his background: Despite being recognized as a notable prospect within the Reds’ system as he progressed through the minors, Gutierrez’s status has dwindled over time. He received an 80-game suspension in 2020 for a positive performance-enhancing substance test before making his Major League debut, although the Reds still protected him by adding him to the 40-man roster to prevent his selection in the Rule 5 draft that year. Gutierrez made appearances in 32 games between the 2021 and 2022 seasons but underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2022.
With 117 strikeouts in 150.2 lifetime innings at the Major League level, Gutierrez will compete for an opportunity with the Marlins. Following Sandy Alcantara’s injury, the Marlins seem to have an available spot in their starting rotation, while Eury Perez, Jesus Luzardo, Braxton Garrett, and Edward Cabrera have secured the other positions.
