The New York Yankees have enhanced their outfield options by signing right-handed outfielder Randal Grichuk to a minor-league deal, which also includes an invitation to major-league spring training. This development, confirmed by a league source to The Athletic, aims to strengthen the Yankees’ lineup by adding a right-handed bat that stakeholders have been scouting for.
Grichuk, who has excelled against left-handed pitching with a career .819 OPS and .500 slugging percentage, could play a pivotal role in the Yankees’ strategy. The signing follows previous considerations by the team to bolster their roster through free agency and the trade market, highlighting Grichuk as a viable option due to his skill set.
Although last season was challenging for Grichuk in some respects, he demonstrated positive underlying metrics. His average exit velocity was a robust 92.4 mph, alongside impressive hard-hit percentages (49.5 percent) and expected slugging percentage (.457). These statistics suggest that Grichuk may have faced some misfortune as he was used primarily as a designated hitter while also logging time in right, left, and center field during the season.
The Yankees are likely to utilize Grichuk in left and center field, providing depth and flexibility as they look to balance their roster. This could be particularly useful in situations where they may choose to rest regular center fielder Trent Grisham, who hit 34 home runs last season but excels predominantly against right-handed pitchers. This tactical adjustment might result in accommodating Grichuk in left field while shifting Cody Bellinger to center.
Additionally, the signing intensifies the competition for Jasson Domínguez, a switch-hitting prospect whose performance has raised questions about his fit within the team’s structure. With Grichuk’s addition and Domínguez’s struggles in left field last season, the latter might find himself starting the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, particularly given the high expectations placed on him as a leading prospect.
In the mix is also top prospect Spencer Jones, who is anticipated to begin the season in Triple-A as well. This dynamic suggests that the Yankees are focusing on depth and competition within their outfield ranks as they prepare for the upcoming season, offering a promising outlook for their lineup strategy.