The Kansas City Royals acquired Randal Grichuk from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. The Royals needed some veteran outfield help and found one who can play the corner spots.
Royals reportedly acquire OF Randal Grichuk from the D-backs per multiple reports including @MLBNetwork Insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/RqSYIf9bWH
— MLB (@MLB) July 27, 2025
12-Year Veteran
Grichuk brings 12 years of experience with five different teams to the Royals. He has played in over 1,300 games and has played all three outfield positions. He spent one and a half seasons with Arizona, primarily playing against left-handed pitching.
Leadership
Grichuk’s leadership will be relied upon to offer support to his new teammates, particularly as they compete for a playoff spot. He is described as a beloved clubhouse player who develops strong relationships with his teammates. Known as a quiet leader, he is always game-day ready and will contribute positively to the Royals’ team chemistry.
Performance
The Royals will look for Grichuk to provide stability in the outfield. Being capable of playing all outfield positions, he also looks set to fill in and provide rest days for the regular players.
Offensively, Grichuk brings help to a Royals offense that has struggled to produce consistently. Although he’s a league-average bat, he can get on a good hitting streak and will provide some pop. He was hitting .243 with Arizona and had seven home runs, five of which came against left-handed pitchers.
KC – Randal Grichuk Solo HR (8)
📏 Distance: 423 ft
💨 EV: 104.4 mph
📐 LA: 27°
⚾️ 85.4 mph slider (ATL – LHP Dylan Lee)
🏟️ Would be out in 30/30 MLB parksATL (9) @ KC (4)
🔻 8th#FountainsUp pic.twitter.com/scJmLczAT9— MLB Home Runs🚀 (@MLBHRs_) July 29, 2025
Needed Help
The Royals needed a right-handed hitter, and the timing for the trade hit as right fielder Jac Caglianone went on the injured list with a left hamstring issue. Although the injury is still being assessed, he may not be able to return to their lineup until September if the strain is severe. Even if it is not considered serious, Caglianone could be sidelined until mid-August.
Grichuk, who has a career .827 OPS against left-handed pitching, provides not only a right-handed bat, but one who’s successful against left-handed pitching. He slotted sixth in the lineup in his Royals debut on July 27, going 1-for-4 against a left-handed starter. Look for him to see time at DH when a left-hander is pitching.
Trade Deadline
Grichuk shores up some holes both offensively and defensively, but the Royals might not be done yet. General manager J.J. Picollo may need to work out a deal for another outfielder. At this point, Kansas City is 4.5 games behind the third Wild Card spot with three teams ahead of them. They would like to find a long-term, everyday outfielder. That, however, could require the trade of a top prospect.
The trade deadline is Thursday, July 31. We will see whether the Royals stand pat or deal to bring in additional help.
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