Outfielder/platoon player Randal Grichuk is one free agent this offseason who would be a solid acquisition to provide help off the bench. The former Toronto Blue Jay became a free agent on October 31st when he declined his $6 million mutual option with the Arizona Diamondbacks, triggering a $1.75 million buyout. Grichuk sported a .291 batting average with 12 home runs, 74 hits, 46 RBIs, and a WAR of 2.2 across 254 at-bats in 2024. The platoon between Grichuk and Joc Pederson worked well for the Diamondbacks last season. Grichuk’s short-side platoon role consisted of replacing Pederson as the DH when the team faced left-handed pitchers. In the outfield, he would take over for Corbin Carroll/Jake McCarthy when the team faced lefties.
He proved himself in his supporting role, slashing .291/.348/.528 with a .914 OPS against lefties. He also achieved some career-best numbers with his offense, including a career-best walk rate of 7.2% along with a career-low strikeout rate of 16.5%. Grichuk, who is 33 years old, provides a veteran presence with the asset of being productive against left-handers. He has demonstrated this consistently throughout his career. Grichuk also sported a 140 OPS+ across 106 games last season. 2024 was also a year of milestones for Grichuk, as he reached 10 years of service time while collecting his 200th career home run and 1,000th hit. But if the Diamondbacks were to keep Grichuk, it would make sense, as his short-side platoon role was created just for him. He had a strong season and solid September offensively, so his return his very much possible.
Randal Grichuk launches his 200th career home run. 😤 pic.twitter.com/8gBum7kMk9
— MLB (@MLB) September 11, 2024
Free Agent Randal Grichuk Desirable as Platoon Specialist
Possible Suitors For Grichuk
New York Yankees
If the Yankees were to sign Grichuk, it could be on something like a one-year, $4 million deal. The postseason for the Yankees showcased their lack of bench players. This is where Grichuk could come in to help crush lefties while also filling the fourth outfield spot and being a threat off the bench. Grichuk would help support the Yankees’ bolstered offense and be a solid role player for them. He would be a low-risk, high-reward type of player you can sign on a one-year deal. Coming off a strong 2024 season, he’s underrated in the pool of free-agent outfielders. Grichuk proved to be a valuable signing by the Diamondbacks with his solid outfield skills, strong arm, and strong contact against lefties.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants are a team that needs platoon players to amplify their offense against lefties. Another example of Grichuk’s experience is the fact that he has hit a home run in all 30 current MLB ballparks joining Juan Soto, Carlos Santana, Giancarlo Stanton, Manny Machado, and Matt Olson. Grichuk came to the plate for the Diamondbacks with 149 runners on base with 21 of them scoring in his plate appearances (14.1%). This offseason, the Giants are looking for major upgrades with their roster with LaMonte Wade Jr. and Mike Yastrzemski on the trade block and Blake Snell being a free agent. San Francisco is looking to be active this offseason, already targeting Brewers shortstop Willy Adames.
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