The Cleveland Guardians do not usually go shopping in their own division, but this winter might be the time to make an exception. One of the best bargain stories of the 2026 season belonged to a veteran outfielder on the Chicago White Sox, the same team Cleveland edged for the AL Central title and then beat in the ALDS. Randal Grichuk signed with Chicago in May for just $1.25 million after the Yankees cut him loose, and he turned that opportunity into one of the best seasons of his career. Now he is a free agent again, and it might not be easy for the White Sox to keep him.
Grichuk’s season was remarkable. After a rough start with New York, where he went 6-31 in 16 games, he joined Chicago on May 4 and caught fire. In 101 games with the White Sox, he hit .299 with a .598 slugging percentage, 15 home runs, 21 doubles and 44 RBIs. His .926 OPS and 154 OPS+ with Chicago would have ranked among the best marks on Cleveland’s roster. Overall, he finished 2026 with an .880 OPS and 1.5 WAR in 117 games.
The fit makes sense for a few reasons. Cleveland’s lineup leans heavily on left-handed hitters like Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, Travis Bazzana and Kyle Manzardo, and lefties gave this team trouble throughout the season. Grichuk has made a career out of punishing left-handed pitching. From 2022 to 2024, he hit .317 with a .573 slugging percentage and 25 home runs against lefties in just under 500 plate appearances. With Rhys Hoskins and Nathaniel Lowe both free agents, there are at bats available at designated hitter, and Grichuk could also fill in at either corner outfield spot.
The price should be right as well. Grichuk turned 35 in August. Players his age rarely land long or expensive contracts, and a one-year deal at a reasonable salary would fit Cleveland’s budget.
There are some concerns. Grichuk’s 2025 season was rough, with a .674 OPS split between Arizona and Kansas City, and he has typically been well below average against right-handed pitching. He also rarely walks, drawing just 11 walks in 280 plate appearances this year. In Cleveland, he would work best in a platoon role rather than as an everyday player.
He brings plenty of experience, too. The Angels made him a first round pick in 2009, and over 13 seasons with eight teams he has hit 227 home runs. He has also played in plenty of big games, including against Cleveland this October.
The Guardians do not need Grichuk to carry the offense. They need a right-handed bat that can do damage against lefties without costing much. Grichuk could be exactly that, and signing him away from a division rival would make the move even sweeter.
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