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Royals Acquire Randal Grichuk

By Nick Deeds | July 26, 2025 at 10:56pm CDT

The Diamondbacks’ sell-off continues this evening as they’re trading outfielder Randal Grichuk to the Royals, according to a report from Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that right-hander Andrew Hoffmann is headed to Arizona in exchange for Grichuk’s services. John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Phoenix reports that Hoffmann, who is already on the 40-man roster, will be assigned to Triple-A Reno by the Diamondbacks once the trade becomes official. Both teams subsequently announced the trade.

Grichuk, 34 next month, is a veteran of 12 MLB seasons who has spent the past two years in Arizona. While he played mostly center field for the Cardinals and Blue Jays in his younger days, more recently Grichuk has fashioned a role for himself as a corner outfielder who primarily chips in against left-handed pitching. That’s certainly a piece the Royals could make use of, as they’ve gotten the least production from their outfield in the majors by measure of wRC+ (64) and fWAR (-2.4) this year. Kansas City has also been well below average (74 wRC+) against left-handed pitching this year; only six teams have been less productive at the dish against opposing southpaws.

The Royals are relying on an outfield mix of Jac Caglianone, Kyle Isbel, and John Rave this year with MJ Melendez and Tyler Tolbert occasionally chipping in as well. Tolbert’s 77 wRC+ leads that quintet of players as things stand, meaning that even as Grichuk’s production has dipped substantially this year he’ll still be a major upgrade for the Kansas City offense. Grichuk is hitting .243/.280/.462 with a wRC+ of 99 in 186 plate appearances this year. That jumps up to a 102 wRC+ when looking at his work against lefties, which should be more than enough to make him a regular fixture of the club’s lineup against southpaws. While Arizona’s crowded outfield mix means that Grichuk only saw token usage against right-handers during his time with the Diamondbacks, the Royals’ weak outfield mix and Grichuk’s decent 92 wRC+ could mean an uptick in playing time for the veteran against same-handed pitchers as well.

The deal is the latest sign that the Royals view themselves as potential contenders at this point in the season. The club is 51-53 at the moment, two games below .500 and 3.5 games out of an AL Wild Card spot. Fangraphs gives the club a 13.0% chance of reaching the playoffs based on their current projections, but with other bubble teams like the Rays, Guardians, and Twins at least seeming to consider selling in some capacity it seems as though Kansas City is staying the course and making moves to add low-cost veterans on expiring contracts like tonight’s Grichuk deal and the trade for second baseman Adam Frazier earlier this month. While sell-side trades can’t be completely ruled out, the Royals already seemed somewhat hesitant to deal veteran right-hander Seth Lugo even before today’s move to bring in Grichuk. It wouldn’t be the first time a team has both bought and sold at a trade deadline if the Royals did ultimately decide to part with Lugo (or another speculated trade candidate like Kris Bubic), but this latest addition seems likely to push them further into the buyer’s lane than they had been previously.

As for the Diamondbacks, this trade pushes them further into the seller lane after they dealt first baseman Josh Naylor to Seattle earlier this week. With two of the club’s many rentals on expiring contracts now out the door, deals involving other rental pieces like third baseman Eugenio Suarez, right-hander Zac Gallen, and righty Merrill Kelly are all the more likely. The Diamondbacks are, themselves, just four games out of a Wild Card spot with an identical 51-53 record to the Royals. With that being said, Arizona’s decision to sell makes plenty of sense considering the number of high profile impending free agents on the roster ticketed for free agency this November. With ace Corbin Burnes and leverage arms like A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez done for the 2025 season already, reloading the roster with young talent ahead of what they’re surely hoping will be a return to contention in 2026 makes plenty of sense.

In the case of this trade, that young talent comes in the form of Hoffmann, a right-hander who made his big league debut with the Royals earlier this year. The 25-year-old has just 3 MLB games under his belt, during which he posted a 3.86 ERA with four walks and five strikeouts across 4 2/3 innings of work. Despite that meager sample size at the big league level, Hoffmann has been nothing short of excellent at Triple-A this year. The righty has pitched to a 2.32 ERA across 40 innings of work with Kansas City’s Omaha affiliate, and in that time he’s struck out 33.3% of his opponents while walking just 6.1%.

Those are strong numbers, and while he was not considered one of the club’s top prospects entering the 2025 campaign it’s hardly surprising that the Diamondbacks would be interested in the right-hander. Arizona has made clear that adding young pitching talent is their top priority this summer, and Hoffmann comes to the club as a big-league ready reliever who has just a few days of MLB service time under his belt. Hoffmann joins lefty Brandyn Garcia and prospect Ashton Izzi as a part of the wave of pitching Mike Hazen’s front office is looking to create after Garcia and Izzi both came over as the return for Naylor earlier this week.

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Arizona Diamondbacks Kansas City Royals Newsstand Transactions Andrew Hoffmann Randal Grichuk

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86 Comments

  1. Cave

    1 month ago

    Stove is hot!

    1
    Reply
    • AlistairC

      1 month ago

      Mainly in Arizona so far and everything is hot there in the summer. But the best week for trade fans had to start somewhere!

      8
      Reply
      • AI GM

        1 month ago

        Started early and keeps giving out drip by drip. I like this much better than most years. Something to analyze each day.

        2
        Reply
        • bwmiller79

          1 month ago

          Royals have made two big trades, gave up a pair of good prospects to compete this season. I’ll be rooting for the Royals down the stretch as a team that sacked up and went for it at the deadline.

          2
          Reply
    • LaFleur

      1 month ago

      Arizona is doing it right, reloading the roster for what they hope is a better 2026. Id think trading all the veterans they have on expiring contracts would be very smart for the future

      2
      Reply
  2. bradr1990

    1 month ago

    damn in the middle of a game too

    3
    Reply
    • Buccrazy

      1 month ago

      I’m at the game. Couldn’t see the dugout but obvious what happened

      1
      Reply
    • AHH-Rox

      1 month ago

      Rockies pulled Moniak mid-game tonight for no apparent reason. Would not be surprised if it was the same situation.

      1
      Reply
      • TheOtherMikeD

        1 month ago

        He got pulled in the 7th inning of an 8-0 game to get some youth on the field.

        3
        Reply
  3. joes-6

    1 month ago

    Was watching the Pirates Snakes game when it happened. The handshakes and hugs in the dugout gave it away. Bittersweet but part of the game

    13
    Reply
    • LaFleur

      1 month ago

      I remember seeing this happen with Ray Lankford in 2001

      Its bittersweet for any fan favorite, Woody Willams did great in STL though. Another player for that Toronto Rotation of the mid to late 90s that included Chris Carpenter and Pat Hentgen

      Reply
  4. JPR

    1 month ago

    I’m at the Pirate game and there was an outfield switch in the 5th with no apparent explanation.

    2
    Reply
  5. Tavo

    1 month ago

    Was wondering why he wasn’t on the lineup with the lefty on the mound.

    Reply
    • Buccrazy

      1 month ago

      He started was pulled for bottom of the 5th

      2
      Reply
    • TJECK109

      1 month ago

      He was in the lineup and started the game

      Reply
  6. THEY LIVE!!!

    1 month ago

    ZZZZzzzzz

    1
    Reply
    • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

      1 month ago

      MMMMmmmmm

      Reply
  7. abcmets99

    1 month ago

    This is a very questionable move by the Royals. Why would they want a rental bat? I don’t see them being in contention this year. Grichuk doesn’t even provide that much value.

    10
    Reply
    • ohyeadam

      1 month ago

      Royals being buyers, especially a rental, is a surprise. They could use a whole new OF

      5
      Reply
      • Fangdango

        1 month ago

        He’s not necessarily a rental. Has a $5M mutual option for next year..

        Reply
      • AI GM

        1 month ago

        If they lose the next 3 or 4 games they could sell. If not they aren’t breaking the farm.

        Any royals fans? You want to sell or go for it? Is winning not more fun than losing? Did you think you had a playoff team before season started? There’s 2 months left to win.

        1
        Reply
        • Billy Idol

          1 month ago

          Sell

          1
          Reply
        • KCMOWHOA

          1 month ago

          Royals fan here…sell selll selll

          Reply
        • AI GM

          1 month ago

          What are they going to sell? Like Arizona has some huge would be in demand rentals so 3 or 4 games out they probably should sell. I know they are are. But KC 3 or 4 games back who are they going to sell and what are they going to get? Are they so bad they can’t make up a handful of games in 2 months? They need to rebuild?

          Reply
        • KCMOWHOA

          1 month ago

          Two of our best pitchers are hurt and another starter is out. We have Rich Freaking Hill starting tonight and possibly Dallas Keuchel soon. And I can’t remember the last time we were even in the WC spot. Any of India, Fermin, Estevez, Cruz could fetch something. Obviously Lugo and Bubic were the two most valuable and that’s gone now. We literally have no OF, Grichuk just became our best OF bat

          Reply
        • AI GM

          1 month ago

          Grichuk is good. If outfield is that bad get MAT Tauchman Pham. You don’t need studs just above average. Tauchman Pham though are more than that they are good. Pitching is cheap. Paddock went for nothing you can’t part with. Heaney would be even cheaper. Or if you plan to compete for multiple years go from quantity good not great prospects for Falter or really step up for Keller.

          KC fans told me how expendable whatever his name is and they need India and hkw great he would be in that ballpark and they had too much pitching.

          Not too late. Trade for pitching. Doesn’t have to be Pirates. That’s just the only MLB team I watch and not much. I’m into prospects but Skenes Cruz do things others don’t so try to catch Skenes starts. Whoever is cheap get.

          Reply
    • seamaholic 2

      1 month ago

      I’m sure the price was essentially nothing so why not. Have a slightly better last two months.

      7
      Reply
      • abcmets99

        1 month ago

        I guess, still a surprising move.

        1
        Reply
    • its_happening

      1 month ago

      Really questionable.

      1
      Reply
    • RoyalsFanAmongWolves

      1 month ago

      Because a rental bat would be better so they can sign a free agent at the winter meetings instead of having to trade away a top prospect

      2
      Reply
      • ohyeadam

        1 month ago

        Royalfan, not seeing them get an impact player through FA, not big spenders. They’re trying to win while they’ve got a nice pitching staff and BWJ in his prime. Grichuk helps now, but would trading for Jesus Sanchez instead cost that much more?

        Love seeing a team go for it. Hope they make another impact move

        2
        Reply
        • Billy Idol

          1 month ago

          You meant to say,” I hope they make an impact move”

          2
          Reply
        • ohyeadam

          1 month ago

          So true Billy. Even though Grichuk is no slouch

          Reply
        • Dock_Elvis

          1 month ago

          They’re trying to win because Sherman still needs to keep the fans stoked for a new ballpark. That and th3 potential locations for that site.

          Reply
        • Billy Idol

          1 month ago

          He’s failing miserably

          Reply
    • dkhits20

      1 month ago

      Maybe because of the way the Tigers are spiraling downward?

      7
      Reply
    • Mark in L A

      1 month ago

      What did really give up though

      At least the GM’s letting the players know they’re trying, rather than cashing it in

      1
      Reply
    • positively_broad_st

      1 month ago

      Grichuk has a $5M mutual option for next season or it can be bought out for $3M. May as well spend the extra $2M to have a cost-certain veteran 4th OF for 2026…

      4
      Reply
    • case

      1 month ago

      because KC taxpayers will be so grateful they’ll vote to fund a new stadium?

      Reply
      • BStevens

        1 month ago

        They’re heading to the Kansas side . LC taxpayers won’t have to worry about it

        Reply
  8. Dustyslambchops23

    1 month ago

    Surprising buyers

    3
    Reply
  9. Spaced-Cowboy

    1 month ago

    Perfect fit. Wish him well.

    6
    Reply
    • Spaced-Cowboy

      1 month ago

      Also puts pressure on the Tigers as there’s blood in the water with their recent slide. Skubal start essentially erased by Gausmans performance doesn’t help. I like that they’re going for it but id have to take a deep dive on their remaining schedule.

      1
      Reply
      • Dustyslambchops23

        1 month ago

        They are 8 games back and just added 1 win player lol

        3
        Reply
        • El Kabong

          1 month ago

          Improvement is improvement, and they’re just 3.5 out in the wild card.

          Reply
        • Spaced-Cowboy

          1 month ago

          I meant in terms of trade deadline. It’s not like they went all in, but ante up.

          Reply
        • Dustyslambchops23

          1 month ago

          I’m glad they are but this doesn’t put pressure on the tigers

          Reply
        • smuzqwpdmx

          1 month ago

          Obviously it’s not the most likely outcome, but if the Tigers keep playing like they have been (losing 13 out of 14) then 8 games can evaporate in a hurry and could turn out to be easier than a wild card. Blue Jays have made up 9.5 games on the Yankees in less than a month, it happens.

          Reply
  10. A's Fan

    1 month ago

    This makes total sense. KC 3 out of wild card and all teams in their division other than Detroit selling. They could make a push over last 2 months

    5
    Reply
    • abcmets99

      1 month ago

      3.5 Games back and 3 teams ahead of them. Not sure I would be a buyer, but even then Grichuk really make much of a difference.

      2
      Reply
      • AI GM

        1 month ago

        3.5 is nothing.

        Reply
        • abcmets99

          1 month ago

          It is when there’s still 3 teams ahead of you.

          Reply
        • AI GM

          1 month ago

          3 teams is nothing

          Reply
    • stymeedone

      1 month ago

      Who in the central has sold any players? It may happen. It may not. It hasn’t yet.

      1
      Reply
  11. This one belongs to the Reds

    1 month ago

    Congrats to the Royals. They get it.

    Meanwhile, the Reds stick with a declining Connor Joe.

    3
    Reply
    • Acoss1331

      1 month ago

      Would you mind Suarez back with your Reds?

      1
      Reply
      • This one belongs to the Reds

        1 month ago

        I’d like him back, especially if they can add a couple years. Personality wise, he always fit in well.

        But I have my doubts they would get it done.

        2
        Reply
      • AI GM

        1 month ago

        Your Reds signed Hays instead? Not happy with his performance?

        Reply
  12. GOBLUE37

    1 month ago

    Did the man dirty trading him mid game lol. Good pick up by the Royals though

    Reply
    • AI GM

      1 month ago

      He’s a pro just part of the job

      1
      Reply
  13. James Midway

    1 month ago

    Not a bad move for either team.

    3
    Reply
  14. Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

    1 month ago

    Snakes having a yard sale this weekend….

    Reply
  15. SupremeZeus

    1 month ago

    SNAKES BLOWOUT SALE!!

    Reply
  16. jdgoat

    1 month ago

    A guy who could be a long term bullpen piece as early as this season is a pretty decent return for an expiring platoon corner outfielder.

    6
    Reply
    • Simm

      1 month ago

      Yeah, this looks like a good trade for the dbacks

      2
      Reply
      • AI GM

        1 month ago

        Apparently KC wasn’t impressed with him. Lot’s of rental dh corner outfielders available so they choose to give up this guy instead of a lotto ticket.

        Reply
    • desertdawg

      1 month ago

      I wonder how long Hoffman stays down at Reno, that ballpark is a pitcher’s worse nightmare to pitch in, hope he doesn’t get discourage, giving up HR’s and having over 5 ERA’s. D’ Backs should fine a AAA ballpark that gives their pitchers an even chance.

      2
      Reply
      • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

        1 month ago

        Wow that’s some Spelling Mystery there, I can see where Spell Check wouldn’t have picked that up.

        Reply
    • Dock_Elvis

      1 month ago

      Club option

      Reply
  17. dano62

    1 month ago

    Now it’s the Tigers move…

    1
    Reply
  18. CarlosDelgado

    1 month ago

    The Royals are making all the right moves at all the right times. Adam Fraizer. Now Grichuk. KC more like WS

    3
    Reply
    • Midinfieldlifer

      1 month ago

      I agree. 2 solid trades that definitely will contribute

      Reply
  19. Midinfieldlifer

    1 month ago

    Nice move for both teams. Grichuk will fit in nicely to their lineup and hopefully get more at bats

    3
    Reply
  20. Midinfieldlifer

    1 month ago

    I feel like something big is brewing with the Jays. The team couldn’t be playing much better since May.
    Dbacks and Pirates phones on speed dial

    Reply
  21. bus035

    1 month ago

    You know its a trade deadline when the M’s start it off and the Royals trade for an old corner OF’er!

    Reply
  22. Alan53

    1 month ago

    Good add. Grichuk is a one-word refutation of the idea that there is no such thing as clutch hitting.

    1
    Reply
  23. Rsox

    1 month ago

    Decent pickup for the Royals as they couid use an Outfielder that can actually hit somewhat.

    Now the question is where will Tommy Pham be traded to this year?

    2
    Reply
  24. scottaz

    1 month ago

    For the Dbacks…notice what they have traded so far—position players on expiring contracts. Notice what they have gotten back in those trades…pitchers with years of control. Anyone see a trend yet?

    1
    Reply
    • AI GM

      1 month ago

      Can 2 trades give you enough data for a trend? If so yes

      Reply
  25. AI GM

    1 month ago

    A for Arizona Looks like a good odds MLB reliever.

    C for KC. Fair enough. Could see a D. They know this reliever though so if they think he is a good one and still traded them that’s on them. Couldn’t find someone with a flaw in their game? Further away? Must not think much of this guy. I don’t know much about him but data looks good. Fair price though. Win win trade.

    Reply
  26. futuregm12

    1 month ago

    Both teams have the same record, and are in similar situations as far as games back, yet one is selling and one is buying.

    Reply
    • Angels & NL West

      1 month ago

      One teams pitching staff has been gutted by injuries to SP and RP at the major league level and depth options at AAA.

      Reply
  27. octavian8

    1 month ago

    KC outfield must be in shambles if they trade a decent bullpen arm for a rental negative WAR hitter.

    Reply
    • tektmz

      1 month ago

      It is. They played Cags out there in the minors before his call up

      Reply
  28. tektmz

    1 month ago

    Kansas City is 8 1/2 back in the division and 4 1/2 games out of the wildcard with seven teams in front of them, and they’re buying?

    1
    Reply
  29. MLBTR needs to hire editors

    1 month ago

    Come on, Deeds. There shouldn’t be commas around “themselves.” Straight up wrong.

    Reply

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