While much of their offseason roster-building is complete, the San Francisco Giants might still have one more move in the works. According to MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided, the Giants are reportedly interested in signing power-hitting outfielder Randal Grichuk.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have also been listed as potential suitors in the same report, but adding Grichuk could significantly bolster the Giants’ depth, particularly as a fourth outfielder. With the Giants’ current outfield setup leaning heavily toward left-handed hitters, Grichuk’s right-handed bat could bring much-needed balance. Currently, Jung Hoo Lee and Mike Yastrzemski are expected to handle center field and right field, while Heliot Ramos, fresh off an impressive All-Star campaign in 2024, is slated for left field.
The Giants lack a right-handed bat who can effectively play all three outfield positions. While internal options for the fourth outfielder role exist, none of them bring the combination of right-handed power and defensive versatility Grichuk offers. Grant McCray is one possible in-house candidate, but his high strikeout rate (43.1%) remains a concern.
Grichuk, on the other hand, is a proven performer both at the plate and in the field. The 32-year-old is coming off one of his best seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, slashing .291/.348/.528 with a 139 wRC+, 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 40 runs scored in just 279 plate appearances. He also posted a strong .236 ISO, a 7.2% walk rate, and a low 16.5% strikeout rate. Since 2015, Grichuk has consistently reached double-digit home runs, showcasing his ability to provide reliable power. While his .875 OPS in 2024 was significantly above his career average of .768, even a slight regression would still make him a quality hitter for the Giants’ bench.
Defensively, Grichuk has extensive experience at all three outfield positions, though he primarily played in the corners with Arizona last season. While defensive metrics indicate his skills in center field have declined, he remains solid in the corners. This tradeoff could be acceptable given the offensive production he brings.
One factor the Giants must weigh is how signing Grichuk might affect playing time for younger players like Luis Matos. Manager Bob Melvin isn’t known for utilizing his bench as aggressively as some of his peers, so the team must consider whether adding a veteran like Grichuk aligns with their long-term goals. While Grichuk would certainly enhance the bench, the key question remains: is he the right fit for the Giants’ needs?
