Diamondback is still in the seller’s market.
Arizona has traded outfielder Randall Grichuk to the Royals, as confirmed by John Hayman on Saturday.
In exchange, right-handed pitcher Andrew Hoffman is heading back to Arizona.
As of Saturday, Grichuk’s batting average stands at .243 with an OPS of .742, including 15 doubles over 69 games this season.
At 33 years old, Grichuk had a solid .291/.348/.528 slash line during his 106 games with Arizona last season. He signed a one-year contract for $2 million in February after a successful 2024 campaign.
This trade follows closely behind the Diamondbacks sending All-Star Josh Naylor to the Mariners for minor league players Ashton Itzi and Brandin Garcia.
With a current record of 51-53 and sitting fourth in the NL West, the Diamondbacks were expected to pivot towards selling as the trade deadline approaches, according to Heyman.
Diamondbacks’ president and CEO Derrick Hall mentioned on Thursday that the team is preparing to be “responsible” sellers at the deadline.
“I think it’s crucial to take responsibility to improve our team moving forward,” Hall said in an interview. “We need to bring in more assets and enhance our farm system, which has been progressing in recent years.”
This trade may set the stage for Arizona to attempt acquiring two-time All-Star Eugenio Suarez, who boasts 36 home runs and leads MLB with 87 RBIs.
The Yankees initially showed interest in Suarez before trading for Ryan McMahon from the Rockies just ahead of manager Aaron Boone’s matchup with the Phillies on Friday.
“I see a potential offensive boost there,” Boone noted. “He’s had some ups and downs offensively over the past couple of years, but recently he seems to be back on track, really impacting the ball and controlling the strike zone well.”
“Defensively, he’s impressive. Watching him play, you can see he moves well and fits the mold we’re looking for at third base.”
