Yankees Select Randal Grichuk's Contract for 2026 Season The New York Yankees have selected the contract of outfielder Randal Grichuk, securing his place on the Opening Day roster. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the decision to reporters, including New York Post’s Greg Joyce, stating Grichuk will be part of the team’s 26-man roster for the 2026 season. With a full 40-man roster already in place, the Yankees will need to make a transaction to add Grichuk before the team’s first game on Wednesday. Grichuk, who signed a minor league deal last month, will earn a $2.5 million salary in 2026. As an Article XX(B) free agent, his contract included three opt-out clauses. The first opt-out was set for this weekend, but the Yankees avoided the potential loss by adding him to the 26-man roster. This move ensures Grichuk remains with the team despite his limited role. The Yankees’ starting outfield will consist of Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger. Grichuk and utilityman Amed Rosario will serve as backup options. While Giancarlo Stanton may see some time in the outfield, he is expected to primarily function as a designated hitter. Fans may express disappointment over Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones being sent to Triple-A, as the team prioritizes their development over Grichuk’s sporadic playing time. Grichuk, a right-handed hitter, is likely to see most of his action when a left-handed pitcher is on the mound. His performance against right-handed pitchers has declined over the years, but he remains a threat against left-handed hitters. Last season, he posted a .227/.273/.430 slash line in 183 plate appearances against lefties while playing for the Diamondbacks and Royals. During spring training, Grichuk struggled with a .#diamondbacks #new_york_yankees #aaron_boone #randal_grichuk #greg_joyce
Yankees Option Luis Gil; Rule 5 Pick Cade Winquest Makes Roster The New York Yankees have optioned right-handed pitcher Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. This move allows the team to free up a bullpen spot, which will be filled by Rule 5 Draft pick Cade Winquest. The Yankees, who have four off-days in the first 12 days of the 2026 season, will skip the fifth starter role a couple of times, giving them flexibility in their rotation. Gil is expected to be recalled when the team needs a fifth starter or if there’s an injury in the rotation. Gil, 27, was named American League Rookie of the Year in 2024 but pitched only 57 innings in 2025 due to a lat strain. During his healthy outings, he posted a 3.32 ERA but struggled with diminished velocity and strikeout rates compared to his 2024 performance. In 2024, he struck out 26.8% of batters with a 12.1% walk rate, but in 2025, those numbers dropped to 16.8% and 13.5%, respectively. This decline in effectiveness has raised concerns about his readiness for a full season. This is Gil’s final minor league option year, though if he is recalled within the first 20 days of the season, the option won’t technically need to be used. He remains under club control through 2028, and spending fewer than 99 days on the roster could delay his free agent eligibility by a season. Gil has pitched in six spring training games, totaling 19 1/3 innings with a 4.66 ERA. While his strikeout rate (29.6%) and walk rate (6.2%) were strong, he allowed six home runs (2.79 HR/9), indicating a need for improved command. Winquest, the Rule 5 pick, will make his major league debut after allowing eight earned runs on 13 hits and four walks with eight strikeouts in 10 spring training innings.#new_york_yankees #luis_gil #greg_joyce #cade_winquest #rule_5_draft
