The D-backs have decisively signed outfielder Randal Grichuk to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2026. According to MLB Trade Rumors, this agreement includes a $2 million payment for 2025, accompanied by a $3 million buyout on a $5 million option for 2026.
Grichuk has the opportunity to earn additional incentives: $250K for reaching 200 plate appearances and another $250K for 275. Furthermore, there’s a one-time $250K assignment bonus if he is traded.
Given that mutual options are rarely exercised, this structure effectively defers payment and alleviates the immediate pressure on the team’s record-level payroll.
Grichuk is returning to Arizona after a standout 2024 season, serving as the weak-side platoon partner to Joc Pederson.
He played 106 games and accumulated 279 plate appearances, boasting an impressive triple-slash line of .291/.348/.528 for an .875 OPS. His performance was particularly bolstered by the platoon advantage, where he had a .914 OPS against left-handed pitchers. In 2025, he is expected to take on the same role, now alongside Josh Naylor, who will receive more playing time in the field compared to Pederson, who hasn’t seen defensive action since 2021.
Last season, Grichuk made 46 starts in the corner outfield positions, primarily in right field, and eleven in left. His addition makes the outfield less left-handed, as Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was previously the only “pure” right-handed hitter on the 40-man roster.
This situation indicates that the team likely won’t accommodate both Jake McCarthy and Alek Thomas on the Opening Day roster, with Grichuk and likely Pavin Smith serving as the backup outfielders. Whether one of them will be traded or simply sent down to Reno is yet to be determined.
The D-backs may still pursue trades to leverage their depth in starting pitching in order to free up salary or acquire an additional bullpen arm.
