Yankees See 'Real Opportunity' for Randal Grichuk in Roster Battle

Veteran outfielder arrives in Tampa, undergoes physical to compete for bench job

Feb. 27, 2026 at 6:53pm

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The New York Yankees have signed veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk to a minor league deal, giving him a chance to compete for a bench role this spring. Grichuk, a right-handed batter, has been a productive platoon hitter against left-handed pitching throughout his career and could provide the Yankees with a needed fourth outfielder option.

Why it matters

The Yankees were in need of a right-handed hitting outfielder to complement their left-handed heavy roster, and Grichuk's track record against lefties makes him an appealing option to fill that role if he can make the team out of spring training.

The details

Grichuk, 34, arrived in Tampa on Thursday night and underwent a physical on Friday. If the physical goes well, he will be able to start working out with the team on Saturday. Manager Aaron Boone said the team sees 'a real opportunity' for Grichuk to earn a roster spot, as he has been a productive platoon hitter against left-handed pitching for most of his career, though his numbers dipped a bit after being traded to the Royals last season.

  • Grichuk arrived in Tampa on Thursday night.
  • Grichuk underwent a physical on Friday.
  • If the physical goes well, Grichuk will start working out with the team on Saturday.

The players

Randal Grichuk

A 34-year-old veteran outfielder who has signed a minor league deal with the Yankees and is competing for a bench role this spring.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who expressed optimism about Grichuk's chance to make the team and contribute as a right-handed hitting outfielder.

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What they’re saying

“He's kind of settled into that role here now in the last few years – in '23 and '24, and even the first part of '25, he was killing lefties. I think he struggled a little bit when he got traded to Kansas City at the deadline last year. But we think he has a chance to be a factor for us. So, we'll see. There's no guarantees there. There's competition for that last couple spots on the roster.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

“We definitely want to see what Randal looks like and what he's capable of, because at his best, I think there's a real opportunity for a role there.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

What’s next

If Grichuk's physical goes well, he will be able to start working out with the Yankees on Saturday as he competes for a bench role on the team's roster.

The takeaway

The Yankees are looking to add a right-handed hitting outfielder to complement their left-handed heavy roster, and Randal Grichuk's track record of success against left-handed pitching makes him an appealing option if he can prove himself this spring.