Elmer Rodriguez, Randal Grichuk Elects Free Agency After Waivers
elmer rodriguez and the Yankees moved on from Randal Grichuk this week, after the outfielder cleared waivers and elected free agency instead of accepting an outright assignment. The decision ends his brief stay on the roster and leaves New York carrying the rest of his $2.5 million salary.
Grichuk Leaves Yankees Roster
Grichuk was designated for assignment earlier this week, then cleared waivers before choosing free agency. The Yankees announced the move after he declined the outright assignment, which keeps him out of the organization’s roster plan and opens the door for another club to sign him.
That next team would not inherit his full salary. Another club could add him for only the prorated portion of the $780,000 league minimum for any time he spends on a roster, while the Yankees remain responsible for the rest of the $2.5 million commitment tied to his minor league deal.
Yankees' Left-Handed Split
Grichuk’s stint with New York never produced much at the plate. He hit.194/.212/.323 overall, and his work against left-handed pitching was only.227/.261/.364 with a 71 wRC+.
That production came after the Yankees added him on a minor league deal in the offseason and carried him on the Opening Day squad. The fit was built around a player they hoped would help balance a lefty-heavy lineup, but the bat never matched that plan over enough at-bats to keep the job secure.
Diamondbacks Form And Service Time
The numbers before New York were much stronger. In 2024 with the Diamondbacks, Grichuk hit.291/.348/.528 for a 139 wRC+ and secured a $5 million guarantee for 2025.
Players with at least five years of big league service time can reject outright assignments while keeping their salary commitments intact, and Grichuk used that path here after clearing waivers. He had to settle for a minor league deal for 2026, and this move now puts him back on the market with the Yankees paying the bill on the old contract.
For New York, the roster spot is open again. For Grichuk, the cleanest next step is a new club that only owes the prorated league minimum while he searches for a better fit than the one he just left behind.
