While some have wondered whether veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson would call it quits this offseason, that does not appear to be his preference. Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, via Twitter, Granderson intends to play in 2018.
The 36-year-old Granderson just wrapped up the free agent deal he signed with the Mets and finished with the Dodgers. Midway through the 2017 campaign, he acknowledged at least contemplating the end of his playing days, though he hardly made any commitments. While he had run up a quality batting line for most of the year in New York, the lefty-swinging slugger faded down the stretch with Los Angeles. Granderson ended the season with a .212/.323/.452 slash over 527 plate appearances.
It’s obviously not likely that the respected veteran will be tasked with such a significant role in his next destination. But he certainly could potentially handle a platoon assignment, particularly since he still runs well and is capable of solid glovework in the corner outfield. Granderson has long carried rather notable splits and would be best served facing only right-handed pitching, but in the right setting he might be a real asset.
There will be some competition on the market, of course. Carlos Gonzalez, Jarrod Dyson, Jon Jay, and Seth Smith are all generally similarly situated, short-term targets (albeit with varying strengths and weaknesses, as well as anticipated price points). Potential part-time righty bats include Howie Kendrick, Austin Jackson, Jayson Werth, and Chris Young, and then there’s the switch-hitting Melky Cabrera. With a variety of trade candidates also floating around, it’s easy to see how many alternatives will be presented.
Still, Granderson ought to do well enough in free agency, even if there’s no chance of matching the $15MM annual value of his last contract. He’s regarded as one of the game’s best citizens. While things didn’t go as hoped with the Dodgers, particularly in the postseason, Granderson was targeted as a finishing piece and could well be seen that way by other organizations. Over the four seasons since he signed with the Mets, Granderson carried a .235/.338/.440 composite batting line (113 OPS+) while appearing in an average of 152 games a year. With more targeted usage, he might conceivably approach or even exceed that level of output on a part-time basis.
He should finish his career where he started it. Good mentor for the younger players.
He’d be a good platoon bat for someone. He has shown good corner defense, and still carries a good amount of power. He also adds good clubhouse chemistry.
I was going to say he’d fit in nicely on the bench for his hometown Cubs (with Almora killing lefties & Grandy vs righties) but saw this on his wikipedia page…
“As a child, Granderson grew up a fan of the Atlanta Braves, choosing not to root for the hometown Chicago Cubs because he often rushed home from school to watch Saved by the Bell and was disappointed when a Cubs game was on instead.”
…Haha!! If he still holds that grudge, maybe not? Lol!
Just Think That Because He Rather Watch zack And Slater It Could Ultimately Cost Him A chance for a hometown Ring =)
Hahahahaha
“Chance for a hometown ring” laughable but true because he has just as much chance as getting a ring with his hometown Cubs as he does his hometown Sox
That makes no sense considering the Cubs are contenders and the Sox are rebuilding
Well, referring the the Cubs or Sox as his hometown team isn’t wrong.
The Greg Maddux debacle back in the early 90’s turned quite a few Cubs fans into Braves fans.. Plus, (I lived in Illinois for a bit in the 90’s) you could catch just as many Braves games on TBS as you could Cubs games on WGN..
If he signed with the cubs that story will change drastically. Money talks
Play “well” is another matter. I could see him stinking it up on the South Side.
I SO want to see him back in the orange and blue.
Not likely as Granderson will want more $$ than Wilpon’s will spend.
Good one.
Curtis Granderson-Austin Jackson for a former Tigers CF’er platoon.
I’d take Granderson on my team any day – class act.
I think he’s going back to detriot if not an american league team
He will be a future Texas Ranger. They need a big bat on the left side and a center fielder
Failing that, they could sign Granderson
he’ll sign a cheap 1 year deal worth around 5 million or so, maybe even cheaper
He would be a solid fit for several teams.. Replacement for Beltran in Houston, cheap bench bat/4th OF for the Mariners, Mentor for the Tigers, Orioles, Ichiro replacement for the Marlins.. A well respected player like Granderson will have no problem finding a job..
Watching his swing last year I think Grandy is better suited for golfing at this point.
Maybe he should finish in Chicago with the cubs
“But he certainly could potentially handle a platoon assignment”
This is like the most definitively subjunctive clause ever.
I’ve always wanted him to be a Chicago Cub.
This is his hometown, he does so much for the city on his own time, he’d be a great complimentary piece to add to the Cubs clubhouse.
They need what he brings to a clubhouse. He’s a leader everywhere he goes, he’s a mentor, the Cubs need that. Ever since David Ross left, the Cubs have been a different team, there’s a huge loss still left from when Ross was there.
Knowing the Cubs FO though, Granderson would be the last guy out of the platoon OFs the Cubs would sign. He’s not a high average or high on base player, they’re going to want someone like Jon Jay who they signed last year, unfortunately…
Granderson and Cubs owner Tom Ricketts are co-owners of several bars and pizza places in Chicago. Wonder if they’ll discuss a contract at the next meeting ?