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The New York Yankees added veteran depth Wednesday night, agreeing to a contract with Randal Grichuk to address a clear offseason priority. The signing provides the club with another right-handed bat as competition during spring training intensifies in Tampa.
Grichuk, a 34-year-old outfielder and 12-year veteran, agreed to a minor league deal that includes a non-roster invite to major league camp. The Yankees will give him the opportunity to compete for a roster spot after openly seeking right-handed help to balance a left-handed-leaning lineup.
The New York Post Sports' Jon Heyman confirmed the move on X (formerly known as Twitter), sharing the update as roster battles continue to take shape in the Sunshine State.
"Randal Grichuk to Yankees"
The post signaled more than a routine depth addition. The veteran's right-handed power profile aligns with a clear organizational need. The Yankees constructed a lineup heavy on left-handed hitters and prioritized adding a proven right-handed platoon option capable of producing against left-handed pitching.
Grichuk slashed .228/.273/.401 with 27 RBI and 35 runs across 293 plate appearances in 2025 between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals . While those numbers reflect a downturn, he has consistently produced against left-handed pitching over the course of his career, posting strong splits in recent seasons. The Yankees view his case as a low-risk free agent addition with clear upside.
Spring training competition now sharpens around the fourth outfielder role. Aaron Judge , Cody Bellinger , and Trent Grisham project as primary options, leaving room for a right-handed complement off the bench. The arrival of Grichuk increases pressure on internal candidates vying for reserve spots.
His experience and power potential offer insurance if injuries arise or early-season production falls short of expectations.
For the Pinstripes, the move represents a calculated adjustment rather than a sweeping overhaul following last year's ALDS exit. The Yankees continue to seek matchup advantages and incremental upgrades. If Grichuk proves he can still deliver impact against left-handed pitching, this minor league deal could quietly influence the Opening Day roster.
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