White Sox stealing Randal Grichuk from Yankees is somehow getting more incredible by the day

The White Sox had an active offseason following a 2025 season where they improved by 19 games. Headlined by the addition of Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami, the White Sox made a concerted effort to get better. Now, over 100 games into the 2026 season, it’s become clear that one of the White Sox’ best signings took place after the season had already started. After the Yankees designated outfielder Randal Grichuk for assignment on April 29th, the White Sox added him to replace a banged-up Austin Hays, and it worked out even better than anticipated. 

Randal Grichuk has been a steady offensive force for the White Sox

At this stage of his career, Grichuk is limited to a platoon role. Still, the White Sox needed an extra right-handed bat to produce against lefties, and the veteran Grichuk provided a stronger option than any of the available internal candidates. Though he’d struggled to a .535 OPS in 16 games with the Yankees to begin the season, Grichuk wasted no time contributing to the White Sox lineup. The then 34-year-old hit .293 with four home runs in May and followed it up with a .289 average and five more homers in June. Grichuk hit a bit of a slump in July, hitting just .231 for the month, but has picked things back up again in August. After his home run Monday night against the Cubs, Grichuk is now hitting .375 in 32 at bats for the month. 

Overall, Grichuk is slashing .293/.323/.592 with a .915 OPS as a member of the White Sox. He’s been a staple of the lineup against left-handed pitching and an excellent DH platoon partner with Andrew Benintendi. Though neither provide much defensive value, the platoon of Benintendi and Grichuk have hit 23 home runs and 91 RBIs this season. They’ve posted an .874 combined OPS, the same total as Phillies slugger Bryce Harper entering Tuesday’s action. It’s been an underrated strength of this White Sox team, and it wouldn’t be the case without the decision to add Grichuk. 

The Yankees, meanwhile, have struggled offensively since superstar Aaron Judge got hurt and could definitely use an extra right-handed bat in their lineup. Would Randal Grichuk have posted these numbers in an extended look had he stayed in New York? Who knows. But it feels good to be on the right side of a decision like this for a change. 

White Sox fans are used to seeing their former cast-offs go on to have strong careers in other places and immediately question the decisions of this organization. To be on the right side of a player breaking out is a great sign of the times changing around this team. 

As the White Sox continue their push for the playoffs, I expect Randal Grichuk to be a key contributor against left-handed pitching down the stretch. Having played in the Postseason three times in his career, Grichuk brings valuable experience to a young team, and his play on the field has reinforced him as one of the team’s most important players.

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