The Yankees are reportedly targeting Rockies outfielder Randal Grichuk as an unspiring alternative to the natural fit of Cody Bellinger.
It’s not a very good time being a Yankees fan right now.
Sure, the team has 50 wins, but they’re tied for last place in the AL East after the first series of the second half of the season.
Manager Aaron Boone seems to make it his mission to infuriate fans and general manager Brian Cashman isn’t much better at pleasing New York.
The one move Yankees fans seem to agree would make the season more bearable would be to pick up Cody Bellinger from the Cubs. He’d be a “natural fit,” in the words of Mark Feinsand, as a lefty outfielder who could provide a boost to an offense that is in desperate need of help.
Unfortunately, Feinsand brings some concerning news on that front:
The Yankees are closely monitoring the corner outfield market, and while Cody Bellinger seems like a natural fit, another name that has come up per sources is Randal Grichuk of the Rockies. He’s an impending free agent making a little more than $3M for the rest of the season.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 16, 2023
Feinsand tweeted that the Yankees are monitoring the corner outfield market ahead of the MLB trade deadline with Rockies outfielder Randal Grichuk’s name coming up.
MLB Rumors: Yankees looking at Randal Grichuk
No offense to Grichuk, but unless he’s an option in addition to Bellinger, Yankees fans are going to hate the move.
Grichuk would represent the Yankees cheaping out and not addressing their biggest need.
They need lefty hitters in the Bronx. Unless Grichuk suddenly develops switch-hitting ability out of no where, he’s not that.
The 31-year-old is batting a respectable .300/.364/.473. However, those numbers are inflated by his performances at Coors Field. He has not been as good away from home.
He’s also not a former MVP who seems to have regained his form, like Bellinger, who has 12 home runs while batting .305/.362/.531 this year.
Grichuk’s WAR is 0.5. Bellinger’s is 2.5. This isn’t a competition.
Adding Bellinger would show ambition from the Yankees front office. Adding Grichuk instead would only accomplish some additional outfield depth, maybe a slight improvement, but not what it could be.