The Arizona Diamondbacks have found their right-handed bat, re-signing outfielder Randal Grichuk. The signing was announced by the team on X.
Per MLB Insider Mark Feinsand, Grichuk is guaranteed $5 million, making $2 million in 2025 plus a $3 million buyout on a $5 million mutual option for 2026. The deal also includes incentives of $250K when he reaches 200 and 275 plate appearances. Additionally, he would get a $250K assignment bonus if traded during the season.
Grichuk’s base salary for 2025 is $2 million, with a $5 million mutual option for 2026 ($3 million buyout), per source. So the guarantee is $5 million plus $500K in incentives in 2025. https://t.co/yN9V0Q6h4g
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 4, 2025
Grichuk, 33, became a free agent after declining his half of a $6 million mutual option and looking to cash in on a strong 2024 season. The deal pretty much guarantees him close to that same amount. Mutual options are rarely exercised by both parties, but given the amount it's possible that it could happen once again if Grichuk repeats his 2024 season.
This is essentially the same deal he signed with Arizona last February. Grichuk ended up being one of the key bats on the team, providing impact against left-handed pitching to a .319/.386/.528 slash with six home runs. Combined with Joc Pederson, the Diamondbacks got a lot of production from their designated hitter duo in 2024.
Grichuk isn't limited to just DH duty, as he can also competently play the outfield. He played mostly right field for the Diamondbacks in 2024, but he can also play left and center in a pinch. He'll reprise a similar role in 2025, with Pavin Smith set to replace Pederson as the left-handed hitting DH option. Smith is a potential breakout candidate after a strong showing in a small sample in 2024. Against lefties, the Diamondbacks can rotate Grichuk and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. between the outfield and DH.
With this signing, it seems the Diamondbacks are relatively set in the outfield. Jake McCarthy and Corbin Carroll are on track to be the primary starters in center field and right field. Alek Thomas, who was a key contributor to their 2023 postseason run, is now on the outside looking in for a roster spot entering spring.
With pitchers and catchers reporting in a week, the next move for the Diamondbacks will be to try to acquire a late-inning arm to help their bullpen.