Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow first saw Yulieski Gurriel play a decade ago in a tournament in Amsterdam.

He imagined him playing in the major leagues and made that dream a reality Saturday when he signed the Cuban free agent to a five-year deal with the Astros.

"To be able to get him now really in the prime of his career ... is a huge deal for us," Luhnow said. "It's probably the most exciting day since I've been here except for the wild-card win against the Yankees."