One Free Agent Outfielder Might Be the Perfect Fit for the Twins Roster

[Cody Christie]

The Minnesota Twins' bench is light on right-handed hitters for the 2025 season. Can one platoon outfielder fill the void left by departing free agents?

Image courtesy of © Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

As the Minnesota Twins retool for the 2025 season, adding a player like Randal Grichuk could be a savvy move to balance their lineup. The Twins’ corner outfield situation features two promising left-handed hitters, Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner. While both have shown flashes of their potential, the team lacks a reliable right-handed complement, especially after Kyle Farmer and Carlos Santana departed via free agency. Grichuk, with his proven ability to mash left-handed pitching, could fill that void perfectly.  

Grichuk’s Success Against Southpaws  
In 2024, Grichuk was one of the league’s most effective hitters against left-handed pitching. Spending the year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he posted a robust .914 OPS in 184 plate appearances versus southpaws. In 163 at-bats, he hit 21 extra-base hits and posted a 28-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His OPS versus righties was still over .800, but Arizona limited him to fewer than 100 such plate appearances.

His addition could be a game-changer for a Twins team that often struggled against left-handers last season. Minnesota posted a 107 wRC+ against lefties, which ranked 11th in MLB. However, healthier seasons from Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis could have helped that number improve. Grichuk’s power to all fields would make him an ideal fit in the middle of the Twins’ lineup against lefty starters.

Roster Fit with Larnach and Wallner
Larnach and Wallner are expected to handle most of the corner outfield duties in 2025, but their splits suggest the need for a complementary bat. Larnach, while showing improved plate discipline, still struggles against lefties, managing just a .579 OPS against them in 2024. That’s a drop of over 200 points compared to his OPS versus righties. Similarly, Wallner provided inconsistent results against left-handed pitching. He had a .953 OPS against righties and a .611 OPS versus lefties. Adding Grichuk would allow manager Rocco Baldelli to consistently seize a platoon advantage, creating a well-rounded outfield unit.  

Filling a Right-Handed Power Void  
The losses of Farmer and Santana further depleted the Twins’ already-thin group of right-handed hitters. Farmer had a .751 OPS versus lefties, while Santana destroyed southpaws with a .934 OPS. With Correa and Lewis coming off seasons impacted by injury, the Twins can’t afford to rely solely on them to anchor the lineup from the right side. Byron Buxton played in over 100 games for only the second time in his career. However, there are questions about whether or not he can continue that trend moving forward. Grichuk’s ability to provide consistent power makes him an appealing option. 

Defensive Flexibility  
Grichuk’s defensive versatility is another plus. Though primarily a corner outfielder, he’s previously played center field, offering a backup option at all three outfield spots. Last season, he played nearly 300 innings in right field and another 90 innings in left field. His last action in center field came with the Rockies and Angels in 2023. Even if Grichuk doesn’t see time in center, his bat is more than enough to carry his offensive profile when giving Larnach or Wallner a day off.  

Grichuk’s profile suggests he won’t require a long-term commitment or a high salary, making him an attractive option for a team facing payroll constraints. He turned down a $2 million mutual option at the offseason’s start. A short-term deal would allow the Twins to maintain flexibility while addressing a pressing need. There has been talk of the Twins adding a right-handed bench bat for multiple seasons, but nothing has ever come to fruition—nothing, at least, as robust as Grichuk would be. 

Adding Grichuk could be one of the offseason’s most underrated moves for the Twins. His ability to crush left-handed pitching, complement Larnach and Wallner, and provide veteran depth makes him a near-perfect fit for Minnesota’s 2025 roster. With the AL Central up for grabs, acquiring a proven hitter like Grichuk might be the boost the Twins need to return to playoff contention. 

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Should the Twins target Grichuk? What other right-handed hitters would be good fits for the roster? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[old nurse]

Grichuk had a late career resurgences after years of so so performance. Expect regression. He is probably wanting to be paid like a 2 war player in their prime. I don’t think anyone will give him that contract. A 4 million contract would be a reasonable expectation. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

Unless two of Paddack, Vazquez and Castro are traded there is no money to sign even a Grichuk. It might take moving all three. So trading Castro for Grichuk sounds really exciting. Right? Vazquez for Camargo. Such is the state of the Twins. 

[TopGunn#22]

Grichuk would certainly be a better option than signing a LH hitting Gallo or Margot, Refsynder et al.  He checks a lot of boxes...murders LH pitching.  Capable of not only playing a corner OF at an average to above average ability but also capable of logging some innings in CF (just as long as it's not for an extended period of time).  

With E-Rod probably making his debut around the All Star Game, Grichuk is that RH outfield platoon bat the Twins need to balance out there roster.  He's not as good an option as Profar, but that's why Profar will be paid significantly more than Grichuk.  And with money the primary focus of this ownership group I, as a fan, need to temper my expectations of a Profar vs Grichuk move and understand that Grichuk is not a bad option.

If Grichuk didn't have a couple warts, he would still be an everyday player.  He's not.  But he DOES clobber LH pitching, he has power (his HR totals since 2019...31, 12-Covid, 22, 19, 16, and last year 12.  Those HR totals have gone down as he's settled into more of a platoon role, but that's the role we would want him in anyway.

Last year he hit .291 and in 254 AB's hit 12 HR's and 20 2B's with an .875 OPS.  He's 33 years old so his production shouldn't fall off a cliff.  Signed to a 2-year contract, he would be a nice platoon/bench bat as E-Rod eventually cracks the starting lineup and the Twins determine who they keep and who they deal between Wallner and Larnach.  He could be signed for $1.75 to $2.00 million per season.  For a team pinching pennies this kind of signing is a Godsend.  The sooner the Twins move to make this a reality, the better.  

[DJL44]

They can't afford him. Your statement here is wrong:

Quote

He turned down a $2 million mutual option at the offseason’s start.

He actually turned down a guaranteed $6M to trigger a $1.75M buyout

Outfielder Randal Grichuk turns down option with Diamondbacks, becomes free agent | FOX Sports

He's going to expect at least $6M in free agency. For that money I'd rather keep Willi Castro.

[JD-TWINS]

IF the budget is “firm” for ‘25 until franchise can be rescued by another ownership group, they need to trade guys. These guys can be coupled with Duran - Matthews - Henriquez - Julien, whatever is needed to get the proper MLB ready return. Catcher - Catcher or a Catcher that can hit and is young.

A potential affordable move instead of signing and paying a potential mediocre depth OF (Grichuk), use Kiersey & Martinez as the depth to start the year.

To solve 2 issues with one affordable FA signing, Carlos Santana to Twins for $6.25M. He’s gotta get a raise as his ‘24 upside is obvious to everyone else in the game.

Miranda is a reverse split guy and could play 1B most of the time v. RH pitching, shielding Santana from numerous LH AB’s. Santana could be a great late inning defender (regularly) at 1B in tight games or with a lead. Santana could also get most/many of the RH pinch hitting opportunities that went to Margot last year……as a Switch hitter, the defense countering with RH pitcher will be reduced greatly. Santana can start at 1B v. LH pitching and can play long stretches if Miranda gets nicked up. Twins take advantage of his capabilities as a RH hitter and elite defender.  Great “fit” in Clubhouse as well!

[JohnComan3]

Why not just call up Carson McCusker? He has been tearing up all levels of the minors and has more power than anyone in the organization. He has been up to the challenge every time he has faced better pitching since he got to Oklahoma State. He is also a very serviceable corner outfielder with surprising range and speed with his 6'8" frame. We don't need another multi-million dollar .220 hitter!

[LambchoP]

Would be nice but we're not signing anyone. Our OF will be

Larnach, Buxton, Wallner

Castro, Keirsey, Martin, and hopefully Rodriguez by all star break.

[RpR]

If --  they can put up money for Grichuk, they would have no problem resigning Santana, although would be a better left or right side fielder than what they have.

[Trov]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

They can't afford him. Your statement here is wrong:

He actually turned down a guaranteed $6M to trigger a $1.75M buyout

Outfielder Randal Grichuk turns down option with Diamondbacks, becomes free agent | FOX Sports

He's going to expect at least $6M in free agency. For that money I'd rather keep Willi Castro.

He may be expecting at least 6M but that does not mean a team will offer that.  Yes, he will go to any team as a 6 mil 1 year as a starting point on his side, but that does not mean teams will agree. Personally, he is coming off a recent career year, after years of ehh replacement level play he finally put up a 2.2 bWAR.  His offense career wise has been average, until last season.  I would never pay a 33 year old guy who had the best year of his career in a ball park that is hitter friendly.  Yes, his road numbers were still very good, but I would not expect him to repeat what he did last year. I think he may be hard pressed to find too many teams, based on payrolls getting cut to pay him 6 mil next year. 

[High heat]

I think there is a better chance we call and resign Michael A Taylor.  He is probably more in our price range.

[DJL44]

13 minutes ago, Trov said:

I think he may be hard pressed to find too many teams, based on payrolls getting cut to pay him 6 mil next year. 

Possibly, but that means he won't sign until very late, possibly into February.

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, JohnComan3 said:

Why not just call up Carson McCusker? He has been tearing up all levels of the minors

He had an 841 OPS across AA/AAA last year. That's not that great.

[SF Twins Fan]

13 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

He had an 841 OPS across AA/AAA last year. That's not that great.

He had a 959 OPs against left-handed pitching though, which is what the article is about.  Trying to find a player who can platoon for Wallner or Larnach.

[DJL44]

5 minutes ago, SF Twins Fan said:

He had a 959 OPs against left-handed pitching though, which is what the article is about.  Trying to find a player who can platoon for Wallner or Larnach.

We saw last year with Margot (and earlier with other platoon bats) that it is impossible to hide a player so they never see RHP. McCusker might be fine to give an opportunity as plan D or E but he can't be Plan A.

[JohnComan3]

10 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

He had an 841 OPS across AA/AAA last year. That's not that great.

Um, .846 OPS was #1 and .489 SLG was #2 in the Texas League amongst qualified players last year. His exit velocity is ELITE! He was also #5 in BA and top 10 in 2B, 3B and RBI and had 15 HRs in only 98 games. Just because he wasn't drafted doesn't mean he is not worthy of a promotion.

[JohnComan3]

8 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

We saw last year with Margot (and earlier with other platoon bats) that it is impossible to hide a player so they never see RHP. McCusker might be fine to give an opportunity as plan D or E but he can't be Plan A.

He hits RHP just fine, no need to "hide" him. And the article was also about saving money. Right now, the Twins are "hiding" a potential Aaron Judge type player in their own system that would be a league min add.

[DJL44]

5 minutes ago, JohnComan3 said:

Um, .846 OPS was #1 and .489 SLG was #2 in the Texas League amongst qualified players last year. His exit velocity is ELITE! He was also #5 in BA and top 10 in 2B, 3B and RBI and had 15 HRs in only 98 games. Just because he wasn't drafted doesn't mean he is not worthy of a promotion.

He got a promotion to AAA. That's the promotion people get when they do well in AA. He was playing against kids on average 2 years younger than him. If he had only been average offensively at that level, he probably gets released. We'll see how he does at AAA this season. If he can improve a little more he will have a chance to make his debut.

[JohnComan3]

13 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

He got a promotion to AAA. That's the promotion people get when they do well in AA. He was playing against kids on average 2 years younger than him. If he had only been average offensively at that level, he probably gets released. We'll see how he does at AAA this season. If he can improve a little more he will have a chance to make his debut.

 

[joefish]

Let's play spin the bottle and pretend we should sign whoever it lands on. 

[Doctor Gast]

9 hours ago, TopGunn#22 said:

Grichuk would certainly be a better option than signing a LH hitting Gallo or Margot, Refsynder et al.  He checks a lot of boxes...murders LH pitching.  Capable of not only playing a corner OF at an average to above average ability but also capable of logging some innings in CF (just as long as it's not for an extended period of time).  

With E-Rod probably making his debut around the All Star Game, Grichuk is that RH outfield platoon bat the Twins need to balance out there roster.  He's not as good an option as Profar, but that's why Profar will be paid significantly more than Grichuk.  And with money the primary focus of this ownership group I, as a fan, need to temper my expectations of a Profar vs Grichuk move and understand that Grichuk is not a bad option.

If Grichuk didn't have a couple warts, he would still be an everyday player.  He's not.  But he DOES clobber LH pitching, he has power (his HR totals since 2019...31, 12-Covid, 22, 19, 16, and last year 12.  Those HR totals have gone down as he's settled into more of a platoon role, but that's the role we would want him in anyway.

Last year he hit .291 and in 254 AB's hit 12 HR's and 20 2B's with an .875 OPS.  He's 33 years old so his production shouldn't fall off a cliff.  Signed to a 2-year contract, he would be a nice platoon/bench bat as E-Rod eventually cracks the starting lineup and the Twins determine who they keep and who they deal between Wallner and Larnach.  He could be signed for $1.75 to $2.00 million per season.  For a team pinching pennies this kind of signing is a Godsend.  The sooner the Twins move to make this a reality, the better.  

Grichuk would be a good fit & for $2M you can't go wrong. He played some CF for some bad teams in a pinch but I wouldn't want him there with us, IMO he wouldn't need to.

[FlyingFinn]

Akil Baddoo is available if we want another ex-Twin minor leaguer. I don't want him, by the way.

[bean5302]

As noted by @DJL44, Grichuk isn't agreeing to any one year offer for $2MM.

I don't think he'll need more than $6MM, just probably more than $5MM because of the $1.75MM buyout he's already gotten or it could just be Grichuk wants to get close to $6MM total, but AZ told him they'd trade him if he opted in and Grichuk wants some control over where he plays.

I'd be pretty surprised if he didn't get the $4.25MM+ to get him to a total $6MM coming off last year considering his long track record of mashing left handed pitching. When it comes to arguments suggesting he'll take whatever scraps we give him because most teams won't pay him $6MM, that's just more suggestion that Grichuk will, in fact, get close to the $6MM total or more. If fans here want him so bad based on the metrics, other teams will want him as well.

There are quite a few outfielders with limited earning potential who are looking to cash in this offseason who are in Grichuk's wheelhouse so there will be stiff competition, but Grichuk has never posted a season below 0.5 WAR.

Aside from whether or not Grichuk is going to get paid, I wouldn't really want him. I'd rather the Twins make a move to acquire a higher floor/ceiling RHB for the outfield than a playable floor with a 2 WAR ceiling for $5MM+ considering the financial spot the team is in. Plus, I dislike platoons in practice since the opposing team dictates the flow of the game to you. A pitcher change is all it takes to make your platoon advantage into a serious liability.

[RpR]

16 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

Akil Baddoo is available if we want another ex-Twin minor leaguer. I don't want him, by the way.

But he will become the next Rooker!

[DocBauer]

He's 1 of 2 affordable RHOF I'm on board with signing. He doesn't have to play daily, and won't, but solid career numbers against RHP means you can play him as more than simply a platoon bat, when needed, and not create a massive hole in your lineup. Odds are he ends up with 300-350 PA like Margot did. The difference is he can actually hit and produce.

I think he'd been about 4th in line for CF behind Buxton, Keirsey, and Castro, but at least he has legitimate experience there. So if some roster/lineup shuffling happens in a game, at least you can send someone out there that knows the position.

I'd love him for 1yr and around $4M. I'd actually consider 2nd year as I'm not sure when Rosario arrives, or McCusker, or if either truly "arrives". 

[Riverbrian]

I'd be willing to bet that he doesn't want a short side platoon job like he had last year.  He declined the mutual option... I don't know if Arizona would have declined but what we do know is that he declined. 

I'm doubtful that he gets the 6m for a short side platoon role from anyone. He's got to be seeking more... not so much more money but more responsibility.