Rockies outfielder Randal Grichuk draws attention as a Yankees trade target

Tuesday July 11, 2023

When the New York Yankees return from the All-Star Game, they will face an intriguing opportunity to acquire another outfielder before the league’s August 1 deadline. This player, who has been a thorn in the Yankees’ side during his time in the AL East, hails from the Colorado Rockies.

Randal Grichuk has had an impressive season with the Rockies, boasting a .294 batting average and a .811 OPS. As the Rockies are already out of contention for the postseason, it would make sense for them to consider trading Grichuk, especially considering he will become a free agent after this season.

Who is Randal Grichuk?

Grichuk has demonstrated his power throughout his career, hitting 176 home runs. His performance against the Yankees is noteworthy, as he has smashed 17 homers in just 65 games against them, surpassing the all-time MLB record. Grichuk has also been a nightmare for the Baltimore Orioles, belting 21 home runs in 57 games.

Grichuk has proven to be a formidable presence at Yankee Stadium, showcasing power and ability to reach base. However, there is a significant concern regarding his defensive capabilities. Grichuk ranks among the worst defensive outfielders in the league, accumulating a minus-6 defensive runs saved (DRS) this season.

Interestingly, another outfielder the Yankees had considered signing, Jurickson Profar, has also posted a defensive metric of minus-6 DRS during the first half of the season. While Grichuk has excelled offensively, Profar has experienced a decline in performance, with a .245 batting average, a -1.0 fWAR, and a 79 wRC+—indicating poor quality of contact across the board.

On a different note, Cody Bellinger has expressed his admiration for the Yankees due to his father’s successful tenure with the team, winning two championships. Bellinger showcased his potential fit with the Yankees over the weekend, delivering a home run into the second deck off Carlos Rodón and displaying solid defensive skills in the outfield.

Throughout the three-game series, Bellinger recorded a 3-for-10 performance at the plate. In his last 15 games, he has maintained an impressive .436 batting average (24-for-55) with a 1.067 OPS, entering the All-Star break with a .298 season average.

In an interview with NJ Advance Media, Bellinger described Yankee Stadium as a “special place to play” and emphasized the significance of the Yankees to his family. Unlike Joey Gallo, who struggled to adapt to the Bronx, Bellinger is a natural fit for the pinstripes.

Having experienced a decline in performance from 2021 to 2022, falling far from his MVP status while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bellinger now presents himself as one of the top left-handed hitters who could be traded before the deadline. If he continues his current level of performance, the asking price from the Chicago Cubs, his current team, will likely increase.

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