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Randal Grichuk earns Yankees bench spot with Opening Day roster nearly set
The veteran outfielder made the team after being in camp on a minor league deal.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:48pm
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The Yankees have finalized their 26-man roster for Opening Day, with veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk earning a spot on the bench. Grichuk, who was in camp on a minor league deal, impressed the team enough in limited spring training action to secure the final bench role. The team also optioned utility player Oswaldo Cabrera to Triple-A to allow him more time to build up after recovering from a broken ankle.
Why it matters
Grichuk's addition to the Yankees' roster provides the team with an experienced right-handed bat off the bench to complement their starting outfield. His inclusion comes at the expense of Cabrera, who was vying for a utility role but will now get more playing time in the minors as he continues his recovery.
The details
The Yankees informed Grichuk on Saturday morning that he had made the team's Opening Day roster. Grichuk, 34, had an opt-out clause in his minor league deal that he triggered on Thursday, forcing the Yankees to make a decision. Despite batting just 2-for-16 with a .313 OPS in limited spring training action, the Yankees felt Grichuk's track record and potential impact off the bench was enough to earn him a spot.
- The Yankees invited Grichuk to big league camp in late February, after spring training had already begun.
- Grichuk triggered his opt-out clause as an Article XX(B) free agent on Thursday, March 21, 2026.
The players
Randal Grichuk
A 34-year-old veteran outfielder who was in Yankees camp on a minor league deal and earned a spot on the team's Opening Day roster.
Oswaldo Cabrera
A utility player who was optioned to Triple-A to allow him more time to build up after recovering from a broken ankle last May.
Aaron Boone
The manager of the New York Yankees.
What they’re saying
“'He looks [like] what we hoped,'”
— Aaron Boone, Manager
“'Feel like he's in a good spot and he can help us. He'll be a factor.'”
— Aaron Boone, Manager
“'Obviously I think it was a good opportunity, that's why I came here and was excited to be here. 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.'”
— Randal Grichuk
What’s next
The Yankees will finalize their 26-man roster ahead of Opening Day, with Grichuk securing a bench spot and Cabrera heading to Triple-A for more playing time.
The takeaway
Grichuk's addition to the Yankees' roster provides the team with a veteran right-handed bat off the bench, while Cabrera's demotion to the minors allows him more time to fully recover from his ankle injury and find his rhythm at the plate.
