What Happened to Giovanny "Gio" Urshela Salcedo?
Gio Urshela, a Colombian professional baseball third baseman, played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball for multiple teams, most notably with the New York Yankees from 2019-2021. After stints with several clubs and battling injuries in recent years, Urshela announced his retirement from professional baseball on May 18, 2026.
Quick Answer
Gio Urshela announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on May 18, 2026, concluding a 10-year career. He last played regular-season MLB games with the Athletics in 2025 and signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins in February 2026, but was released in March before the season began. Urshela is best remembered for his successful tenure with the New York Yankees from 2019 to 2021.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Signed with Cleveland Indians
Gio Urshela signed with the Cleveland Indians as an international free agent.
MLB Debut with Cleveland Indians
Urshela made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cleveland Indians.
Traded to New York Yankees
After stints with the Indians and Blue Jays, Urshela was traded to the New York Yankees.
Breakout Season with Yankees
Urshela had a breakout year with the Yankees, hitting .314 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs in 132 games.
Postseason Grand Slam
Urshela hit a grand slam in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Cleveland Indians, helping the Yankees advance.
Traded to Minnesota Twins
Urshela was traded from the New York Yankees to the Minnesota Twins alongside Gary Sánchez for Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Ben Rortvedt.
Traded to Los Angeles Angels
After one season with the Twins, Urshela was traded to the Los Angeles Angels for minor league pitcher Alejandro Hidalgo.
Season-Ending Pelvis Fracture
Urshela was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left pelvis fracture, ending his 2023 season with the Angels.
Signed with Detroit Tigers
Urshela signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.
Signed with Atlanta Braves
After being released by the Tigers, Urshela signed a one-year major league contract with the Atlanta Braves.
Signed with Athletics
Urshela signed a one-year contract with the Athletics for the 2025 season.
Released by Athletics
After being designated for assignment, Urshela was unconditionally released by the Athletics.
Signed Minor League Deal with Twins
Urshela signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins, receiving an invitation to spring training.
Released by Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins released Urshela from his minor league contract prior to the start of the regular season.
Announces MLB Retirement
Gio Urshela announced his retirement from Major League Baseball via his personal Instagram page after 10 seasons.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Giovanny "Gio" Urshela Salcedo, born on October 11, 1991, in Cartagena, Colombia, embarked on a professional baseball career that spanned over a decade. He signed with the Cleveland Indians as an international free agent in July 2008 and made his MLB debut with them in 2015.
Urshela's career saw a significant turning point when he joined the New York Yankees in 2019. During his tenure with the Yankees from 2019 to 2021, he experienced his most successful period, becoming a fan favorite due to his strong defensive play at third base and improved offensive production. He posted a .292 batting average and an .815 OPS across 291 games with the Yankees, accumulating 6.4 bWAR. A notable highlight was his postseason grand slam in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against his former team, the Cleveland Indians, in 2020.
Following his time with the Yankees, Urshela was traded to the Minnesota Twins in March 2022. He had a solid season with the Twins, setting career highs in hits (143) and games played (144), batting .285 with 13 home runs and 64 RBIs. In November 2022, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, where his 2023 season was cut short due to a left pelvis fracture in June, an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
The 2024 season saw Urshela sign with the Detroit Tigers in February, playing 92 games before being designated for assignment in August. He then signed with the Atlanta Braves later that month, appearing in 36 games and contributing to their playoff push. In December 2024, Urshela signed a one-year contract with the Athletics for the 2025 season. His 2025 season was also impacted by a left hamstring strain in May, and he was eventually designated for assignment and released by the Athletics in August 2025.
As of early 2026, Urshela continued to seek opportunities, signing a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins on February 9, 2026, which included an invitation to spring training. He also represented Colombia in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers in February 2026. However, his stint with the Twins was brief, as he was released on March 20, 2026, after hitting .208 in spring training. On May 18, 2026, Gio Urshela officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball via his Instagram page, reflecting on his 10-year career.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Giovanny "Gio" Urshela Salcedo made different choices?