New York Yankees Rumors: Team Interested in Veteran Outfielder Randal Grichuk

As spring training rapidly approaches, the New York Yankees are exploring potential additions to their roster, with a particular focus on bolstering their outfield depth. While the team has spent much of the offseason re-signing its core players, including those who contributed to a 94-68 record in 2025, it seems the Yankees are not content with standing pat. Their recent interest in veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk sheds light on their desire to further strengthen the team in the final stretch before the new season begins.

Yankees’ Focus on Right-Handed Outfielders

According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the Yankees have been “gauging prices” for right-handed hitting outfielders, both from the free agent pool and the trade market. The team has been assessing potential targets to add a seasoned bat to their roster, and Grichuk is one of the key names reportedly on their radar. The Yankees have also shown interest in potential upgrades at first base, but the priority appears to be on acquiring an outfielder.

This shift in focus toward outfielders makes sense given the Yankees’ current lineup, which includes a solid but perhaps uninspiring collection of outfield talent. With the season fast approaching, the Yankees are evaluating ways to increase their chances of competing at the highest level and avoid any potential regressions from last year’s success.

Randal Grichuk: The Veteran’s Profile

Randal Grichuk, who will turn 34 before the start of the season, has been a reliable veteran presence in the outfield for several years. Last season, Grichuk split time between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals, posting a .734 OPS and a .240/.277/.457 slash line. He hit seven home runs and drove in 22 RBIs in 175 at-bats for Arizona, but his performance dipped significantly after a midseason trade to the Royals, where he struggled with a .566 OPS in 97 at-bats.

While his batting line may not immediately stand out, Grichuk’s power potential and experience could make him a valuable addition to the Yankees’ lineup. His ability to provide depth across the outfield—having played right field, left field, and even some center field last season—adds further versatility to his skill set, making him an appealing option for a team looking to bolster its outfield rotation.

Defensive Struggles: A Potential Concern

However, it’s important to note that Grichuk’s defensive metrics have not been as strong in recent seasons. In 2025, he finished in the 15th percentile in Baseball Savant’s Fielding Run Value, recording -6 Outs Above Average. While he has the ability to cover multiple outfield positions, his defensive struggles could limit his effectiveness as a full-time starter, especially on a team like the Yankees, which traditionally prides itself on strong fielding across the board.

In terms of his role, it’s likely that Grichuk would serve as a platoon player or a backup outfielder, providing a right-handed bat to complement the Yankees’ existing left-handed hitters. His experience as a designated hitter could also make him a viable option to rotate through the DH spot on occasion, further adding to his appeal as a depth piece.

A Low-Cost, High-Reward Option

From the Yankees’ perspective, Grichuk could represent a relatively low-risk, high-reward acquisition. While he may not be the superstar addition that fans may have hoped for, he could still provide the Yankees with an experienced option to round out their roster. Given the team’s position in the offseason, the Yankees may be able to acquire Grichuk without sacrificing too much in terms of their future plans or payroll flexibility.

It’s also worth considering that Grichuk’s performance last season, especially after the trade to Kansas City, could lower his market value, making him an even more affordable option for the Yankees. If he can regain some of his previous form, particularly his power numbers, he could prove to be an asset at a fraction of the cost of other outfielders available on the market.

The Yankees’ Path Forward

As the Yankees continue to assess their roster needs, the addition of a player like Randal Grichuk would certainly provide some much-needed depth to their outfield. While he may not be the game-changer that fans were hoping for, he could provide the right-handed bat and versatility the team needs to fill out their roster. With Grichuk potentially coming at a relatively low cost, the Yankees could find themselves with a valuable, cost-effective addition without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the Yankees’ pursuit of Grichuk underscores their determination to make incremental improvements in their pursuit of another World Series championship. While the focus may remain on their core group of players, adding a veteran like Grichuk could be the type of move that helps push the Yankees into the next tier of contenders, strengthening their overall lineup and adding depth in all the right areas.

With spring training around the corner, it’s clear that the Yankees’ front office is still hard at work ensuring the team is in the best possible position to compete. Whether or not they land Grichuk remains to be seen, but his name is certainly one to watch as the offseason continues. The Yankees have shown time and time again that they’re willing to make bold moves when necessary, and Grichuk could be yet another piece of the puzzle for a team that has its eyes firmly set on a deep playoff run in 2026.