The Arizona Diamondbacks have designated outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for assignment following a significant decline in his production at the plate this season. 

In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks have called up Jose Fernandez to fill his spot on the roster. Gurriel has a $14 million team option for 2027 with a $5 million buyout. 

The former Blue Jay has sported a career-low .210 batting average with only two home runs and 22 RBI across 186 at-bats. In addition, he also generated a weak .290 SLG, .544 OPS and a 51 OPS+. 

But the 32-year-old left fielder's struggles have been vastly impacted by his injury-plagued season. He has been on the injury list (IL) on three separate stints this season, limiting him to just 51 games played. He started this season on the IL recovering from right ACL surgery he had in September last season. Then, in late May, he suffered a left hamstring strain. In mid July, he suffered a groin strain that had him sidelined until September. 

Compared to his offensive output in the past two seasons, where he batted .279 with 18 home runs in 2024 and .248 with 19 homers in 2025, his production has taken a steep tumble. 

It's unfortunate for Gurriel, as his ACL injury played a big role in his disappointing season, and he hasn't been able to bounce back. From 2023-25, he was a clutch player for Arizona, driving in 75-plus RBI with an All-Star nod in 2023 and a 104 OPS+. With the Diamondbacks parting ways with Gurriel, it likely means that Jordan Lawlar, Ryan Waldschmidt, Lars Nootbaar and Corbin Carroll will be the core outfield for next season.

How the Lars Nootbaar acquisition has allowed the Diamondbacks to move on from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. 

The Diamondbacks acquired Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals at the deadline to add a left-handed bat and bolster their taxed outfield. Since joining Arizona, he's hit three home runs and 13 RBI across 30 games. 

While he had a slow start, going 4-for-27 (.148), he showed signs of breaking out in late August, with a dominant series against the San Francisco Giants. On Aug. 28, he crushed a leadoff home run and was shy of a triple for hitting for the cycle that ignited a 10-6 Diamondbacks victory. He also came up clutch the next day with a pinch-hit go-ahead grand slam. 

All things considered, his upward trend has been positive for Arizona, which continues to make a push for the postseason, sitting 1.5 games out of a final NL wild-card spot. He ultimately makes up for the Diamondbacks parting ways with Gurriel, and acquiring Nootbaar has allowed them to move on from the struggling veteran.

While Nootbaar's .234 batting average is far from dominant, his elite 14.2 percent walk rate has boosted his OBP to .342, making him an efficient on-base presence. Compared to Gurriel's .254 OBP, it made him a liability in the lineup, whereas Nootbaar is playing as a league-average hitter with a 100 wRC+. 

In addition, Gurriel was limited to left field and DH roles, and Nootbaar provides Arizona with defensive versatility as he can play all outfield positions.