Veteran Grichuk Looks to Cement Role with Yankees

Outfielder signed for his ability to hit lefties, but late arrival to camp means he's playing catch-up

Mar. 10, 2026 at 1:41am

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Veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk signed with the Yankees this offseason for his ability to hit left-handed pitching, but his late arrival to spring training means he's playing catch-up to cement a key role on the team. With just over two weeks until Opening Day, the Yankees are focused on getting Grichuk as many plate appearances as possible to prepare him for the season.

Why it matters

The Yankees see Grichuk as a valuable left-handed bat off the bench, especially against tough lefty pitchers. However, his late arrival has put him behind schedule, and the team may need to get creative to get him ready in time for the start of the season.

The details

Grichuk, 34, signed with the Yankees this offseason but didn't arrive at camp until recently, leaving him with limited time to get ready for the season. Manager Aaron Boone said the team is focused on getting Grichuk as many at-bats as possible, even against right-handed pitchers, to help him build up his reps and innings. The Yankees are hoping Grichuk can recapture his 2024 form when he had a .913 OPS against lefties with the Diamondbacks.

  • Grichuk signed with the Yankees this offseason.
  • Grichuk arrived at Yankees camp recently, with just over two weeks until Opening Day.

The players

Randal Grichuk

A 34-year-old veteran outfielder signed by the Yankees this offseason for his ability to hit left-handed pitching.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, especially with his experience, it's about building up innings and reps. If it comes [versus] lefties, that's great.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

“I kind of flipped the script, basically, and said 'No one feels sorry for me.' I've got to do it. That's my role. I just changed the mindset. It doesn't matter if it's X amount of days without an at-bat. You've got to do your job and go to battle.”

— Randal Grichuk

What’s next

The Yankees will continue to get Grichuk as many at-bats as possible over the final two weeks of spring training to prepare him for the regular season.

The takeaway

Grichuk's late arrival to Yankees camp has put him behind schedule, but the team is focused on getting him ready to contribute as a left-handed bat off the bench, especially against tough lefty pitchers. Grichuk's willingness to embrace his part-time role will be key to his success in New York.