Yulieski Gourriel and his younger brother, Lourdes, were said to have defected from Cuba in several reports. Before exiting, Yulieski generally was viewed as the best player left in Cuba — a middle-of-the-order mainstay for years for the national team.
It could be months until either signs, but Yulieski could affect a pennant race this year for a club that needs a second baseman or third baseman, perhaps even the Yankees. Brian Cashman would not speak about either brother. But an official from an opposing team said the Yankees’ international scouting director, Donny Rowland, has long liked Yulieski.