The Chicago White Sox have made a key roster move to bolster their outfield depth, signing veteran Randal Grichuk to a one-year, $1.25 million deal on Monday. The move comes as the team places outfielder Austin Hays back on the 10-day injured list due to a left calf strain, marking his second IL stint of the season after missing time earlier with a right hamstring strain.
Hays, who signed a one-year contract with the White Sox during the offseason, had just returned from the IL on April 27 after recovering from a hamstring issue. In 12 games this season, he has posted a .233/.250/.326 slash line with one home run and seven RBIs. This latest IL placement is retroactive to Saturday, giving him a chance to fully recover.
Grichuk, 34, brings a wealth of experience to the South Side. He began the 2026 season with the New York Yankees, where he struggled to find his rhythm, slashing .194/.212/.323 with four doubles and two RBIs in 16 games. Last season, he split time between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals, combining for a .228/.273/.401 line with nine home runs and 27 RBIs across 113 games.
A 13-year MLB veteran, Grichuk has built a solid career as a power-hitting outfielder. Over 1,377 games, he owns a .250/.297/.464 slash line with 212 home runs and 631 RBIs. He has reached double digits in home runs in 10 of those seasons, including a career-high 31 in 2019 with the Toronto Blue Jays. His journey has taken him through the St. Louis Cardinals, Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Diamondbacks, Royals, and Yankees, making him a seasoned presence in any clubhouse.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Grichuk, the White Sox transferred infielder/outfielder Tanner Murray to the 60-day injured list. Murray is recovering from a dislocated left shoulder, a move that frees up a spot while ensuring the team maintains depth as they navigate the early season grind.
For White Sox fans, this signing adds a reliable bat and defensive option to an outfield that has dealt with its share of injuries early on. Grichuk's power potential and veteran savvy could provide a much-needed spark as the team looks to stabilize its lineup.