Gio Urshela signs with the Detroit Tigers

The versatile infielder Gio Urshela will continue his journey in the Major Leagues with his sixth team in nine seasons as a professional baseball player in the United States after spending the last year with the Los Angeles Angels.

Based on the MLB Network report, Urshela signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers in exchange for $1.5 million. The agreement has multiple incentives that would increase the Venezuelan’s final salary - he can earn an additional $500,000 based on plate appearances. The Colombian must still pass medical evaluations for the agreement to be made official.

How much money has Gio Urshela earned in the Major Leagues?

One of the advantages of Urshela is that he can play as a first baseman, shortstop and third baseman. Last year he played every infield position for the Angels. The Carthaginian saw action in 62 games with the Angelenos and had a batting average of .299 after connecting 64 hits in 214 at bats.

His versatility would allow him to take any spot in the infield in case of injury. This means that he will compete to play second and third base because Javy Báez has secured the shortstop position and Spencer Torkelson has the starting pad position.

The contract with the Tigers is the lowest Urshela has signed since he was able to test free agency. According to information from Spotrac, his first three years in the MLB, with the Cleveland Guardians, only generated a total of $971,000 for him. As a free agent, and a solid performer, the 32-year-old was expected to land a more lucrative deal.

His first major contract came in 2021 when the New York Yankees paid him $4.65 million to avoid arbitration. A year later, the Minnesota Twins paid him $6.55 million. During his entire professional career, Urshela has generated total earnings of $22.14 million in salaries - not counting the new contract he has signed this week with Detroit.