Ex-Royals Outfielder Linked to NL Central Team

Randal Grichuk could reunite with the St. Louis Cardinals as offseason winds down.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Kansas City Royals acquired outfielder Randal Grichuk at the 2025 trade deadline, but he is now a free agent. According to reports, Grichuk could be a potential fit for his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals, as they look to add a right-handed outfield bat.

Why it matters

Grichuk spent the first four years of his MLB career with the Cardinals before being traded away. A reunion with his former team could make sense as the Cardinals look to bolster their outfield for the upcoming season.

The details

After joining the Royals, Grichuk hit just .206/.267/.299 with two home runs and a .566 OPS. With the Royals acquiring other outfielders like Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins, Grichuk is unlikely to return to Kansas City. The Cardinals, who need a right-handed hitting outfielder, could provide Grichuk with a familiar landing spot.

  • Grichuk made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2014 and played there through the 2017 season.
  • Grichuk was traded to the Royals at the 2025 trade deadline.

The players

Randal Grichuk

A 34-year-old outfielder who has played for the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Rockies, Angels, Diamondbacks, and Royals over his 12-year MLB career.

Lane Thomas

An outfielder acquired by the Royals this offseason, who could take playing time away from Grichuk.

Isaac Collins

Another outfielder added by the Royals this offseason, further crowding the outfield and making Grichuk's return less likely.

Derrick Goold

A reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch who reported on the possibility of Grichuk returning to the Cardinals.

St. Louis Cardinals

The NL Central team that could be a potential landing spot for Grichuk in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Grichuk could be a possible fit for his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals.”

— Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

What’s next

It will be interesting to see if the Cardinals and Grichuk can reach an agreement on a contract for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Grichuk's potential return to the Cardinals would provide the team with a familiar and experienced right-handed hitting outfielder, while also giving Grichuk a chance to reunite with his former club as he looks to bounce back from a down year with the Royals.