The Arizona Diamondbacks have found their right-handed hitting platoon at designated hitter, as they have signed Randal Grichuk to a one year contract. Grichuk signed for a guaranteed $1.5 million, but could make $2 million in incentives. Grichuk’s deal also includes a second year mutual option worth $6 million. The news of the signing was broke by Jeff Passan on Twitter/X.
Grichuk is coming off a solid season with the Colorado Rockies and LA Angels where he batted .267/.321/.459 with a .333 wOBA, and 100 wRC+. Grichuk didn’t draw many walks as he had a 6.2% walk rate, but he also had a decent 20.4% K-rate and hit for decent pop. The outfielder went yard 16 times in 471 plate appearances with an isolated slugging percentage of .191. The veteran slugger did fall off down the line, as he owned just a .677 OPS, .289 wOBA, and 80 wRC+ after getting traded to the Angels. But the Diamondbacks will be able to put him in a position where he could be extremely productive.
With the signing of Joc Pederson, the Diamondbacks needed someone who could platoon with the left-handed hitting batter. Pederson has historic struggles against LHP, and Grichuk fills this role perfectly. Last year, he had 134 plate appearances vs Southpaws, batting .328/.388/.607 with a .415 wOBA, and 155 wRC+. He had a 9% walk rate and outstanding 12.7% K-rate when facing a lefty. Overall, he was one of the most productive batters when facing lefties last year, as he ranked top 12 in wRC+, wOBA, and OPS (min. 130 plate appearances).
Grichuck can also serve as the team’s 4th outfielder. He mostly played left field in 2023, but has over 3500 innings in center and right field. Grichuk has never graded out as a Gold Glove defender, but he can hold his own and won’t cost a team games with his defense if he’s in a part-time role. Last year, he had -1 defensive run saved, +1.0 UZR/150, and -7 outs above average in 897.1 innings between all three outfield positions.
A Grichuk/Pederson platoon at designated hitter could be an extremely productive duo. This also gives the Diamondbacks extra outfield depth at the Major League level. For only $1.5 million (upwards of $2 million), this is a great deal for the D-Backs. Grichuk will likely be a key piece of the D-Backs’ line-up in 2024 and if he can continue to hit lefties anything like he has throughout his career, he’ll be well worth the price plus the incentives.