Grichuk Gets Fresh Start With White Sox As Outfield Roles Remain Unsettled

The Chicago White Sox are reportedly adding another veteran presence to their outfield. According to Robert Murray, the White Sox have agreed to a major-league deal with 13-year MLB veteran Randal Grichuk.

The 34-year-old initially signed with the New York Yankees late in spring training and earned an Opening Day roster spot. However, after slashing .194/.212/.323 across his first 31 at-bats, Grichuk was designated for assignment.

Grichuk certainly brings plenty of experience to the White Sox clubhouse, who will mark his eighth team in 13 seasons. During that stretch, he has suited up for the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Rockies, Angels, Diamondbacks, Royals, and Yankees, which has included three postseason appearances with the Cardinals and Blue Jays. 

Grichuk owns a career .250/.297/.464 slash line with 212 home runs and 616 RBIs. Despite his recent struggles, he’s just two years removed from a strong 2024 campaign with the Arizona Diamondbacks, when he hit .291 with an .875 OPS. 

Still, his peak production appears to be behind him. Grichuk’s most productive season came in 2015, when he slashed .276/.329/.548 and posted a 3.1 WAR during his sophomore season. However, there is still reason to believe that Grichuk can be a productive hitter on the South Side. 

Despite going just 6-for-31 to start the season, which includes four doubles, Grichuk has been hitting the ball hard. He’s barreling balls at an 18% rate, well above the MLB average of 10%, while also generating one of the faster swing speeds in the league and a 54.5% hard-hit rate.

For a White Sox team that has struggled to find production from Luisangel Acuna in centerfield, adding Grichuk could provide a timely boost, particularly against left-handed pitching. Grichuk owns a career .816 OPS against southpaws, compared to a .732 mark against right-handers.

While Derek Hill and Tristan Peters have been serviceable in limited action, both come with relatively modest offensive ceilings. Grichuk’s addition gives the White Sox another platoon option and helps avoid overexposing either player at the plate.

With Austin Hays likely heading to the IL, Grichuk figures to get some opportunities in right field. But Grichuk isn’t guaranteed an extended runway with the White Sox. He will still be competing for playing time with Sam Antonacci, who figures to get the bulk of the reps in left field, Peters and Hill, who have each been solid contributors in their respective platoon roles, Andrew Benintendi, who the team is paying $15 million this season, as well as Acuna, and the recently called up Jarred Kelenic.

Everson Pereira is also still waiting to return from the 10-day IL, which further complicates things. If Grichuck can capitalize on his opportunity with the White Sox, then Acuna or Kelenic could be on the hot seat.