Oswaldo Cabrera and Randal Grichuk have two different player profiles. Nevertheless, they were both competing for the final spot on the New York Yankees roster. Cabrera is making his way back from a devastating ankle injury. On the other hand, Grichuk joined the Yankees on a minor league deal just ahead of spring training.
On Saturday, the New York Yankees announced Oswaldo Cabrera will be optioned to the minor leagues at the end of spring training. Manager Aaron Boone stated the Venezuelan utility man will start the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Boone wants Cabrera to get fully up to speed after missing almost the entire 2025 campaign.
“Oswaldo Cabrera just needs to play,” he said, as per Greg Joyce of The New York Post/Wilkes-Barre. “I really like the corner he’s turned the last month, but then even more specifically in the last week or so. But now he just needs to play and stack days. Obviously we know what he’s capable of when he’s healthy.”
Oswaldo Cabrera fractured his left ankle while scoring a run in the ninth inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners in May last year. The 27-year-old switch-hitter showed improved production at the plate, even though he played just 34 games. Due to his excellent defense across the field, Cabrera made over 100 appearances in the two full seasons prior to his injury.
Yankees Select Randal Grichuk Ahead Of Oswaldo Cabrera
The New York Yankees picked Randal Grichuk instead of Oswaldo Cabrera for the final spot on their 26-man roster for Opening Day. The 34-year-old outfielder is delighted to earn a place on the major league team despite struggling in spring training.
“Obviously I think it was a good opportunity. That’s why I came here and was excited to be here,” he told Greg Joyce of The Post. “With the late start and some things out of your control, I tried to make the most of it. Glad I did enough to crack it.”
Grichuk triggered the opt-out clause in his contract on Thursday, leaving the Yankees 48 hours to add him to their MLB roster or release him from the team. They opted for the first option, completing a $2.5 million deal with the 12-year veteran for the 2026 campaign.
