MLB rumors: 8 playoff contenders that could use outfielder Randal Grichuk

Jun 4, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Randal Grichuk (15) high fives designated hitter Charlie Blackmon (19) after scoring against the Atlanta Braves in the 10th inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Randal Grichuk (15) high fives designated hitter Charlie Blackmon (19) after scoring against the Atlanta Braves in the 10th inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
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Randal Grichuk, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 30: Randal Grichuk #15 of the Toronto Blue Jays at bat in the third inning of their MLB game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on September 30, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

The Toronto Blue Jays could look for a reunion with Randal Grichuk

The Toronto Blue Jays are already paying for about half of Randal Grichuk’s contract for this year and next year. Considering that they are familiar with him, they could look for a reunion, especially since their current outfield hasn’t been great.

Their wRC+ in right field has been 77, or 26th in baseball and their left fielders are 27th with their 81 wRC+. 2021 All-Star Teoscar Hernández has struggled a bit offensively for them this year in right but he could play left field and Grichuk could move back in to right field.

The Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians have not had a good hitting outfield in … well … two decades. They finally are getting some outfield production from rookie outfielder Steven Kwan but in center, right, and at DH, they have still struggled. Randal Grichuk could help them out.

Kwan has played some right field (putting their team numbers higher in right) but their primary right fielder Oscar Mercado has a wRC+ of 75. Center field isn’t much better, as their wRC+ is 81, or 22nd.

Their primary DH Franmil Reyes is their second-best hitter when he’s healthy but he hasn’t been healthy when he has been on the field and, currently, he’s on the IL. Due to his struggles, the wRC+ at DH is 26th at 70.

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