Yankees part ways with 212-HR outfielder to make room for No. 3 prospect originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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It’s an exciting day for the New York Yankees on Wednesday. It’s set to be the MLB debut for Elmer Rodriguez, a right-handed pitching prospect ranked as the third-best prospect in the Yanks’ organization.
They had to make roster room, though, which was bad news for Randal Grichuk.
The Yankees designated Grichuk for assignment on Wednesday morning.
Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Recalled RHP Elmer Rodríguez (#71) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
• Designated OF Randal Grichuk for assignment.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 29, 2026
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The DFA means that Grichuk is removed from the Yankees’ 40-man roster.
To officially remove him, though, Grichuk first must pass through waivers. That means any other team could claim Grichuk and take him from the Yanks.
If Grichuk clears waivers, he could conceptually be sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Many veterans have clauses in their contract that allow them to opt-out rather than go to Triple-A, though. It’s unclear if Grichuk has that.
The reality is that multiple tendrils of this move could lead to Grichuk leaving the Yankees.
He didn’t deliver what they had hoped. Grichuk has 212 career home runs and hits well against left-handed pitching, but he was just 6-for-31 (.194) in limited action with New York while not hitting a ball out of the yard.
Now 34, Grichuk is on the downswing of his career, but there’s still a chance another team will take a shot on his bat.