Gio Urshela, a Colombian professional baseball player, has carved a prominent name for himself in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a skilled third baseman. Born on October 11, 1991, Urshela currently showcases his talents as a member of the Los Angeles Angels, after having previously played for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Minnesota Twins.
Making his debut in MLB with the Cleveland Indians in 2015, Urshela initially experienced limited playing time in the league. However, he demonstrated his capabilities as a solid defender and consistent hitter during his tenure. In 2018, he briefly played for the Toronto Blue Jays before being acquired by the New York Yankees in a trade for cash considerations. It was with the Yankees that Urshela truly blossomed, showcasing his potential and making a significant impact on the team during the 2019 season.
Known for his versatility, Urshela’s defensive prowess at third base is highly regarded, making him a valuable asset to any team he represents. His ability to make difficult plays and exhibit exceptional glove work has garnered attention and admiration from fans and analysts alike.
With his consistent performance and offensive contributions, Urshela has proven to be more than just a defensive specialist. His ability to drive in runs and provide timely hits has made him a vital part of the lineups he has been a part of throughout his career.
As of the 2023 season, Urshela has embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining the Los Angeles Angels.
Table of Contents
Some Facts about Gio Urshela
Gio Urshela Age
Gio Urshela was born on the 11th of October in the year 1991. Thus, as of now, he is 31 years old. His sun sign is Scorpio.
Gio Urshela Parents
Gio Urshela’s father’s name is Alvaro Urshela. His mother’s name is Uldy Urshela. From a very young age, Gio Urshela’s parents noticed that he was very skilled and interested in sports. Thus they completely supported his dreams and growing passion for baseball. Gio Urshela worked hard on his baseball skills with their help.
Thus he was able to achieve his dreams. He has thanked his parents many times for their support without which he surely would have failed in becoming the baseball player he is today.
Gio Urshela Height
As of now, Gio Urshela stands 6 feet tall or 1.83 m in height.
Gio Urshela Weight
Currently, Gio Urshela weighs 99.8 kg or 220 pounds.
Gio Urshela Birthplace
Gio Urshela was born in the year 1991 to his parents Alvaro and Uldy Urshela. His birthplace is Cartagena in Columbia. Cartagena is a beautiful port city on the Caribbean coast of Columbia. Urshela recalls that some of the happiest years of his life were the ones he spent in his hometown. Urshela’s nationality is thus Columbian. His ethnicity is Latino.
Gio Urshela Position
Gio Urshela plays as the third baseman. He has been playing in this position since high school.
Early Life and Education
Urshela has a brother whose name is Jonathan Urshela. Gio and Jonathan spent their childhood together. Thus, Gio Urshela often talks about his brother and his parents in interviews. His brother has spoken about him at great length. He said that he has always been interested in sports.
Ever since his childhood, everyone knew that he was going to be a sportsman because he was very good at sports. Urshela loved playing baseball since he was a child. He also displayed splendid athletic skills in this sport. Gio Urshela said on his social media that he was very grateful for his brother and parents who always encouraged his dreams and inspired him to become who he is today.
Gio Urshela used to jump and grab baseballs ever since he was five years old. His family revealed that Urshela had always been inclined towards baseball. Gio Urshela first learned to play baseball by swinging broomsticks and tree branches! He also used balled-up socks as a replacement for proper balls. Thus he played baseball with his cousins and brothers in his hometown when he was young.
Career Of Gio Urshela
Cleveland Indians
In the year 2008 in the month of July, Urshela signed with the Cleveland Indians. He signed with them as an international free agent. In the year 2009, he was able to make his debut professionally. Thus, he made his debut playing for the team Dominican Summer League Indians. He also played for the Arizona League Indians.
In the year 2014 Urshela started out by playing for the team Akron. Thus he was able to receive promotions to the Columbus Clippers during that season. The Columbus Clippers play in the Class AAA International League. Thus after the 2014 season was over Urshela received the opportunity to join the Columbus Clippers! The Columbus Clippers added him to their roster that consisted of 40 people.
In the year 2015, the site MLB.com named Gio Urshela the fourth-best prospect of the Cleveland Indians. In the year 2015, he started the season by playing for the Columbus Clippers. On the 8th of June in the year 2015, he was able to join the major leagues.
Toronto Blue Jays
On the 9th of May in the year 2018, the Cleveland Indians traded Urshela for cash considerations. Thus they traded Urshela to the Toronto Blue Jays. Urshela performed very well for the Toronto Blue Jays. He played a total of 19 matches for the Toronto Blue Jays. Thus he batted .233 and one home run along with three RBIs for Toronto in these 19 games.
Finally, the Toronto Blue Jays designated him for assignment on the 26th of June in the same year. Gio Urshela was able to clear all the waivers and thus he received an assignment to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. He received the assignment on the 3rd of July. Gio Urshela played in 91 matches for the Buffalo Bisons. Thus he batted .244 in the 91 games he played.
New York Yankees
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69248277/1316183029.0.jpg)
Following his trade from the Toronto Blue Jays, Gio Urshela joined the New York Yankees on August 4, 2018, in exchange for cash considerations. He was subsequently assigned to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, where he collaborated with Phil Plantier, the team’s hitting coach, to make adjustments to his batting stance. Urshela’s time in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre proved fruitful as he achieved an impressive batting average of .307 across 107 plate appearances.
On April 6, 2019, the Yankees selected Urshela’s contract after their starting third baseman, Miguel Andújar, suffered a torn right shoulder labrum. Urshela capitalized on this opportunity and began the season with a stellar performance, batting .352 in his initial 25-for-71 appearances. Despite Andújar’s brief return in May, he ultimately opted for season-ending surgery, allowing Urshela to solidify his position as the Yankees’ third baseman.
As the 2020 season commenced, Urshela assumed the role of the Yankees’ starting third baseman. Although he encountered a minor setback with a groin injury in late August, he managed to participate in 43 of the team’s 60 games. During this time, Urshela showcased his offensive prowess, attaining a notable .298/.368/.490 slash line, along with six home runs and 30 runs batted in. In addition, he exhibited remarkable defensive skills, leading all qualifying third basemen with a stellar .992 fielding percentage.
In a memorable moment during the AL Wild Card Series on September 30, Urshela made history as the first Yankees third baseman to hit a postseason grand slam, accomplishing this feat against his former team, the Cleveland Indians. This pivotal play contributed to the Yankees’ triumphant sweep of the Indians in the best-of-three Wild Card Series. However, the Yankees’ postseason journey came to an end in the Division Series as they were defeated by the Tampa Bay Rays in five games.
Minnesota Twins
On March 13, 2022, Gio Urshela, along with Gary Sánchez, was traded by the New York Yankees to the Minnesota Twins in a notable deal that brought Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Ben Rortvedt to the Yankees. This trade marked a significant shift in Urshela’s career as he joined the Twins’ roster.
During the 2022 season, Urshela showcased his consistent performance at the plate, maintaining a solid batting average of .285 along with an on-base percentage of .338 and a slugging percentage of .429. His contributions to the Twins’ offense proved valuable as he played an integral role in their lineup.
While Urshela exhibited prowess at the plate, he faced some challenges on the basepaths. Throughout the season, he was picked off second base twice, which ranked as the highest in the majors. Despite this aspect, his overall performance remained commendable.
In October 2022, it was revealed that Urshela planned to spend the offseason playing with his hometown team, the Tigres de Cartagena, in the Colombian Professional Baseball League. This decision allowed him to reconnect with his roots and engage with his local community while honing his skills during the offseason.
Los Angeles Angels
In an offseason move, Gio Urshela transitioned from the Minnesota Twins to the Los Angeles Angels on November 18, 2022, in a trade that involved minor league pitcher Alejandro Hidalgo. This trade brought Urshela to the Angels’ organization, offering him a fresh start with a new team.
The Angels commenced the 2023 season with Urshela assuming the role of their regular shortstop, demonstrating the team’s confidence in his abilities. His presence in the infield added depth and stability to the Angels’ defensive alignment, further bolstering their overall performance.
However, on June 16, 2023, Urshela encountered an unfortunate setback as he was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left pelvis fracture. This injury necessitated a significant period of recovery and rehabilitation for Urshela. Subsequently, on June 21, 2023, the Angels announced that while surgery was not required, Urshela would be unable to participate for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Despite this unfortunate turn of events, Urshela’s impact on the Angels’ roster was evident during his time on the field. His defensive skills and offensive contributions were valued assets to the team, and the Angels eagerly await his return to full health for future seasons.
Gio Urshela MLB Stats
When discussing the top names in Major League Baseball, Gio Urshela’s consistently impressive career statistics place him among the heavy hitters. Born Giovanny Urshela, the Colombian third baseman has demonstrated impressive talent on the field. With his excellent hitting prowess and defensive versatility, Urshela has carved out a remarkable career in the MLB. This section provides an in-depth look at Gio Urshela’s career stats, highlighting his major milestones and contributions to his teams over the years.
Early Years with the Guardians (2015, 2017)
Urshela began his MLB career with the Cleveland Guardians in 2015. Despite his youth and inexperience, he demonstrated potential with a batting average of .225. In his rookie year, he had 267 at-bats, scored 25 runs, had 60 hits, drove in 21 runs, took 18 walks, and struck out 58 times.
After a gap year in 2016, Urshela returned to the Guardians in 2017. This season saw improvements in his performance, managing to score 14 runs, make 35 hits, and drive in 15 runs in 156 at-bats.
A Transition to the Blue Jays and Yankees (2018 – 2021)
The year 2018 marked Urshela’s transition to the Toronto Blue Jays. Although he only played 19 games with 43 at-bats, his stats improved with a batting average of .233.
However, the real breakthrough came when Urshela joined the New York Yankees in 2019. This season marked a turning point in his career, producing his highest batting average of .314 in his career. Urshela’s 2019 stats include 73 runs, 139 hits, and 74 RBIs from 442 at-bats, cementing his status as a key player for the Yankees.
Urshela continued to shine for the Yankees in 2020 and 2021. Despite the shortened season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Urshela maintained a commendable .298 batting average.
Recent Years with the Twins and Angels (2022 – 2023)
After his stint with the Yankees, Urshela moved to the Minnesota Twins in 2022. His performance remained consistent, posting a .285 batting average, making 143 hits, and driving in 64 runs from 501 at-bats.
Most recently, in 2023, Urshela joined the Los Angeles Angels, where he continues to excel with a .299 batting average.
Overview of Gio Urshela’s Career Stats
Here is a comprehensive table of Gio Urshela’s career statistics from 2015 to 2023:
| Year | Team | GP | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Guardians | 81 | 267 | 25 | 60 | 21 | 18 | 58 | .225 |
| 2017 | Guardians | 67 | 156 | 14 | 35 | 15 | 8 | 22 | .224 |
| 2018 | Blue Jays | 19 | 43 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 10 | .233 |
| 2019 | Yankees | 132 | 442 | 73 | 139 | 74 | 25 | 87 | .314 |
| 2020 | Yankees | 43 | 151 | 24 | 45 | 30 | 18 | 25 | .298 |
| 2021 | Yankees | 116 | 420 | 42 | 112 | 49 | 20 | 109 | .267 |
| 2022 | Twins | 144 | 501 | 61 | 143 | 64 | 41 | 96 | .285 |
| 2023 | Angels | 62 | 214 | 22 | 64 | 24 | 10 | 36 | .299 |
| Career | – | 664 | 2194 | 268 | 608 | 280 | 142 | 443 | .277 |
Gio Urshela’s career continues to be a testament to his talent, resilience, and dedication. Through the years, he has made significant contributions to his teams, consistently improving his skills and performance. His career statistics serve as a clear indicator of his outstanding abilities and the influential role he plays in the MLB.
International Career
Prior to the 2013 season, Gio Urshela represented the Colombian national baseball team in the qualifiers for the World Baseball Classic. Unfortunately, the team was unable to secure a spot in the tournament after suffering a defeat to Panama. Despite the disappointment, Urshela’s participation showcased his commitment to representing his home country on the international stage.
Urshela’s journey with the Colombian national baseball team continued when they successfully qualified for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. This provided another opportunity for Urshela to showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s performance on a global platform.
During the 2017 World Baseball Classic, Urshela accumulated 14 plate appearances, demonstrating his offensive capabilities. However, his performance was limited, as he recorded a slash line of .143/.143/.143 with two hits. While his offensive production may have been subdued during the tournament, Urshela’s participation reflected his dedication to representing Colombia and competing against top international competition.
Gio Urshela Contract & Salary Details
Giovanny Urshela, a professional baseball player, has signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels for the 2023 season. The contract is worth $8,400,000, which is fully guaranteed. This means that Urshela will earn an average annual salary of $8,400,000.
In the 2023 season, Urshela’s base salary will be $8,400,000, and this will also be his total salary for the year. His service status for the year is ARB 4 (Arbitration 4), which is a part of the salary arbitration process in Major League Baseball. This status indicates that Urshela has between three and six years of Major League service.
Urshela’s adjusted salary and yearly cash for 2023 will also be $8,400,000. After the 2023 season, Urshela will be 32 years old and will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2024, which means he will be free to sign with any team.
This contract represents a significant milestone in Urshela’s career, reflecting his value as a player in the Major League Baseball.
Gio Urshela Wife & Children
Giovanny Urshela, the Colombian professional baseball player, is not just known for his impressive career in the MLB but also for his loving family. Married to Danna, a Colombian journalist, Urshela is a proud father to a daughter born in 2022. His commitment to his family, despite his demanding career, is a testament to his character.
Gio Urshela, the third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, has proven his mettle in the MLB with his exceptional skills. However, his achievements aren’t confined to the baseball field. Off the field, Urshela is a dedicated husband to his wife, Danna, and a doting father to their daughter. His ability to balance his professional and personal life is truly commendable.
Known for his prowess on the baseball field, Gio Urshela has carved a successful career in the MLB. But beyond his professional accomplishments, Urshela leads a fulfilling personal life. He is married to Danna, a journalist from his home country, Colombia, and together they have a daughter. Urshela’s life is a perfect blend of professional success and personal happiness.
Gio Urshela Injury & Return
Gio Urshela, the veteran outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, recently sustained a serious injury during a game against the Texas Rangers. The incident occurred in the first inning when Urshela tried to beat out a double play, resulting in an awkward stumble and fall at the first base. The injury was later identified as a left pelvis fracture, a condition that typically requires eight to twelve weeks to heal, and in severe cases, may necessitate surgery and a recovery period of six to ten weeks during which the patient is not allowed to walk.
Unfortunately, Urshela’s 2023 campaign has come to a premature end due to this devastating injury. Despite not requiring surgery, the fracture has ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Prior to this setback, Urshela had been enjoying a productive season, boasting a .299 batting average with two home runs and 24 RBIs.
The Angels have called up Michael Stefanic from Triple-A Salt Lake as a replacement for Urshela. As Urshela is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, his future with the Angels or any other team will likely depend on his full recovery and demonstration of his health. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the Angels and their fans are hopeful for Urshela’s speedy recovery and return to the field.
Gio Urshela & Philanthropy
Although Gio Urshela is a very wealthy person he is also very kind. Thus he believes in giving back what he gets to the community. Urshela has participated in many community endeavors and thus touched the lives of many people in the process.
As of now, Urshela joined a campaign to help distribute sanitization products to the needy. He has helped many people to distribute sanitizers to the poor people of Colombia and Venezuela who were majorly affected by the covid 19 pandemic.
Urshela has said that he would like to help out the poor people in his country who are not able to afford sanitizer. He said that privileged people often do not understand what it feels like to have to choose between food and sanitation. Thus, he would like to do his part for the community and provide sanitizers to all the people who need it. Many people have also appreciated Gio Urshela for his incredible efforts to provide community service. He is going to receive the Thurman Munson award at the annual Munson Dinner next year on the 2nd of February.
Gio Urshela Net Worth 2023
According to sources Gio Urshela has an estimated net worth of 2 million US dollars. He has been very successful in his career as a professional baseball player. After he debuted in the MLB in 2015 he has played with a lot of famous teams. Thus Urshela has played for the Blue Jays, The Cleveland Indians, and the Yankees! He has performed very well and worked hard to improve his performance every season.
Thus he has also contributed a lot to these clubs. This has helped him to earn a lot of fans internationally and also in his own country. Urshela has accumulated the lofty sum of 2 million US dollars from his successful career as a baseball player. He also has other income methods such as brand endorsements and advertisements.
FAQs
How old is Gio Urshela?
Gio Urshela was born on October 11, 1991, which makes him 31 years old as of now.
Who are Gio Urshela’s parents?
Gio Urshela’s parents are Alvaro and Uldy Urshela. They have supported his interest in baseball from a young age, and he often credits their encouragement for his successful career.
What is Gio Urshela’s height and weight?
Gio Urshela is 6 feet tall (1.83 meters) and weighs 99.8 kg or 220 pounds.
Where was Gio Urshela born?
Gio Urshela was born in Cartagena, Columbia. His nationality is Columbian, and his ethnicity is Latino.
What position does Gio Urshela play?
Gio Urshela plays as the third baseman. He has been playing in this position since high school.
What are the details of Gio Urshela’s contract and salary?
Gio Urshela signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels for the 2023 season. The contract is worth $8,400,000, which is fully guaranteed. He will earn an average annual salary of $8,400,000 for the 2023 season and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2024.
Who is Gio Urshela’s wife, and does he have any children?
Gio Urshela is married to Danna, a Colombian journalist. They have a daughter who was born in 2022.
What is the status of Gio Urshela’s recent injury?
Gio Urshela sustained a serious left pelvis fracture during a 2023 game against the Texas Rangers. Unfortunately, he has been ruled out for the remainder of the season but is expected to make a full recovery.
What philanthropic activities is Gio Urshela involved in?
Gio Urshela is actively involved in community service. He joined a campaign to distribute sanitization products to the needy in Columbia and Venezuela during the Covid-19 pandemic. He will also receive the Thurman Munson award at the annual Munson Dinner on February 2 for his charitable efforts.
What is Gio Urshela’s net worth in 2023?
As of 2023, Gio Urshela has an estimated net worth of 2 million US dollars, accrued largely through his successful career as a professional baseball player. He also earns money through brand endorsements and advertisements.
