Just a few weeks after the D-Backs added outfielder/DH Joc Pederson to their 2024, Arizona beefed up their outfield core with another addition. Former Rockie and Angel Randal Grichuk is headed to the Diamondbacks on a one-year deal, as he’ll look to fill the void left by Tommy Pham.
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A Look at Grichuk
New Diamondback outfielder Randal Grichuk has never been considered an elite outfielder. However, the 32-year-old’s been an underrated hitter throughout his career.
That remained true in 2023 when Grichuk hit .267/.321/.459 with 16 home runs and 49 extra-base hits over 118 games. Grichuk’s production, though, dipped after he was traded to the Angels. The veteran outfielder posted just a .676 OPS over 54 games in Anaheim.
Grichuk doesn’t have one standout tool but he is a smart hitter. The 32-year-old can catch up to velocity well and has enough power and strength to either muscle well-placed pitches into the outfield or drill mistakes.
The new Diamondback has five 20+ home run campaigns to his name.
Defensively, Grichuk has played all three outfield positions but is better suited for a corner spot. The 32-year-old is an average to slightly above-average runner.
According to the team, the Diamondbacks signed Randal Grichuk to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2025. Per ESPN, Grichuk will receive $1.5MM for 2024 and has a $6MM option for 2025.
Analysis
Even though the Diamondbacks have a lot of outfielders — so much so that Arizona dealt Dominic Fletcher to the White Sox — adding a second right-handed hitting outfielder to complement Lourdes Gurriel Jr. makes a lot of sense.
Arizona’s group of outfielders includes NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll, plus Alek Thomas, Jake McCarthy, Pavin Smith, and newly-signed OF/DH Joc Pederson.
With such a left-handed heavy crop, having an outfielder with power and one who can crush left-handed pitching — Grichuk hit .328/.388/.607 (.995 OPS) against LHP in 2023 — should help the D-Backs in their quest to repeat as NL champions.
The signing of Grichuk essentially replaces Tommy Pham, who was acquired by Arizona in the summer after a hot start with the Mets. Pham’s production declined after the move but he still posted a respectable .720 OPS in Arizona and hit three home runs for the Diamondbacks during the playoffs.
Grichuk is also a slightly better defender than Pham.