Randal Grichuk has quietly built a solid MLB career as a reliable outfielder known for his power-hitting ability, strong defensive plays, and professionalism. From being drafted before Mike Trout to becoming a valuable journeyman, Grichuk’s career trajectory has been full of notable moments and contributions to multiple teams. In this in-depth article, we will explore Randal Grichuk’s trade history, net worth, contract details, and career statistics, offering baseball fans and analysts a complete look at this veteran outfielder’s journey in Major League Baseball.
Who is Randal Grichuk?
Randal Alexander Grichuk, born on August 13, 1991, in Rosenberg, Texas, is a professional baseball outfielder. Known for his right-handed bat and throw, he has played for several MLB teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Angels.
Drafted 24th overall by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 2009 MLB Draft, he made headlines not for his selection alone but because he was drafted one pick before Mike Trout. Though their careers went on different trajectories, Grichuk has maintained consistent performance as a middle-of-the-lineup contributor.
Randal Grichuk Trade History
Grichuk’s career has seen a series of trades that reflect his value as a powerful bat and reliable outfielder. Here’s a look at his most important trade movements:
1. Angels to Cardinals (2013)
Despite being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels, Grichuk never played a game for them. On November 22, 2013, he was traded along with Peter Bourjos to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for David Freese and Fernando Salas.
This trade gave Grichuk a clear path to the big leagues and he made his MLB debut for the Cardinals in April 2014.
2. Cardinals to Blue Jays (2018)
In January 2018, the Toronto Blue Jays acquired Grichuk from the Cardinals for pitchers Dominic Leone and Conner Greene. This move was part of the Blue Jays’ efforts to add more power to their outfield.
Grichuk quickly found a home in Toronto, putting together solid seasons highlighted by home run power and improved plate discipline.
3. Blue Jays to Rockies (2022)
On March 24, 2022, Grichuk was traded to the Colorado Rockies for Raimel Tapia and Adrian Pinto. The deal provided the Rockies with a veteran slugger and gave the Blue Jays outfield flexibility.
Playing half his games at Coors Field helped boost Grichuk’s offensive numbers.
4. Rockies to Angels (2023)
As part of their attempt to remain competitive, the Los Angeles Angels traded for Grichuk on July 30, 2023, along with C.J. Cron, in exchange for pitching prospects Jake Madden and Mason Albright. This marked Grichuk’s return to the organization that originally drafted him.
Randal Grichuk Net Worth
As of 2025, Randal Grichuk’s estimated net worth is around $18 million. His earnings come primarily from MLB salaries, performance bonuses, and endorsements. Though not a superstar-level earner, Grichuk has secured several multi-year contracts and consistently performed, making him a valued asset across various franchises.
Sources of Income:
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MLB Salaries (Primary)
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Signing Bonuses
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Incentive-based earnings
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Brand Endorsements and Sponsorships
Grichuk’s steady presence in the MLB for over a decade has provided him with a solid financial foundation and career longevity, something few players achieve.
Randal Grichuk Contract Details
Let’s break down Randal Grichuk’s major contracts over his career:
1. Pre-Arbitration & Arbitration Years (2014–2018)
During his early years with the Cardinals, Grichuk earned league minimum salaries, progressing through arbitration later in his tenure.
2. Blue Jays Extension (2019–2023)
In April 2019, Grichuk signed a five-year, $52 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Key terms of the deal:
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Total value: $52 million
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Average Annual Value (AAV): $10.4 million
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Guaranteed money: 100%
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Years covered: 2019 to 2023
This contract solidified his financial standing and showed the Blue Jays’ commitment to him as a core player at the time.
3. Remaining Salary After Trades
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The Blue Jays initially paid a portion of his salary when he was traded to the Rockies.
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By the time Grichuk joined the Angels in 2023, he was playing the final year of his deal.
4. Current Contract Status (2025)
As of now, Grichuk is a free agent or possibly on a short-term veteran deal, depending on team needs and his 2024 performance. Given his experience and consistent hitting, he remains an attractive option for teams needing outfield depth.
Randal Grichuk Career Stats
Here’s a statistical breakdown of Grichuk’s career performance through the 2024 season:
| Stat | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 1,210+ |
| Batting Average | .245 |
| Home Runs | 190+ |
| RBI | 580+ |
| OBP (On-base %) | .295 |
| SLG (Slugging %) | .455 |
| OPS | .750 |
| Doubles | 210+ |
| WAR (Wins Above Replacement) | ~10.0 |
Career Highlights:
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Career-high 31 home runs in 2019
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Multiple 20+ HR seasons
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Strong performance in pinch-hitting and clutch scenarios
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Above-average defensive metrics, especially in center and right field
Grichuk’s power numbers and positional versatility have made him a valuable addition to every roster he’s been on.
Fangraphs & Advanced Metrics
On Fangraphs, Grichuk’s wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) has fluctuated between 90 and 110, indicating slightly below-average to league-average offensive production.
Key metrics:
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Hard Hit %: Consistently around 40%
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Barrel %: Among league leaders in power years
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K%: Career average around 26%
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BB%: Typically low (~6%)
Grichuk isn’t known for walking much, but his swing-first approach has paid off with extra-base hits and run production.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
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Raw power: Capable of hitting 20–30 homers in a full season
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Versatility: Plays all outfield positions
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Durability: Rarely misses long stretches due to injury
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Veteran presence: Brings leadership and playoff experience
Weaknesses:
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Low OBP: Doesn’t draw many walks
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Strikeouts: Prone to Ks in high-pressure situations
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Inconsistency: Hot and cold streaks affect offensive rhythm
Randal Grichuk’s Role in 2025 and Beyond
As a seasoned player in his 30s, Grichuk’s value now lies in being a veteran presence, power bat off the bench, and reliable fourth outfielder. Whether he signs with a contending team looking for playoff depth or a rebuilding team needing leadership, Grichuk has a place in the league.
Social Media & Personal Life
Though not extremely active on social media, Randal Grichuk does maintain a presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter (X), where he shares baseball moments, family life, and occasional brand promotions.
Fun Facts:
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Originally drafted one spot before Mike Trout
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Grew up in Texas playing baseball year-round
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Has expressed interest in coaching or mentoring post-retirement
Conclusion
Randal Grichuk may not always dominate the headlines, but his consistent performance, powerful bat, and ability to adapt have made him one of the more underrated and dependable outfielders in MLB over the past decade. With over 190 career home runs and multiple team contributions, his name deserves recognition among baseball’s solid veteran class.
Whether you’re a fantasy baseball player, stats enthusiast, or general fan, keeping an eye on Grichuk’s next move could be rewarding. His trades, net worth, contract history, and stats show just how valuable a reliable veteran outfielder can be in today’s game.
