White Sox sign Randal Grichuk to major league deal, place Austin Hays on IL

Key facts

• Randal Grichuk signed a major league contract with the White Sox on May 4, 2026.
• Grichuk elected free agency three days prior after being designated for assignment by the Yankees.
• Austin Hays was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to May 2 with a left calf strain.
• Tanner Murray was transferred to the 60-day IL to open a 40-man roster spot.
• Grichuk batted.194 with no home runs and a.212 on-base percentage in 33 plate appearances for the Yankees.
• From 2022-2024, Grichuk hit.317/.367/.573 against left-handed pitchers with 25 homers in under 500 plate appearances.
• Grichuk has not played center field in three seasons and has been a below-average hitter against right-handed pitching.
• The White Sox lost right fielder Everson Pereira to the injured list last week with a pectoral strain.

A veteran addition to a struggling outfield

The Chicago White Sox have signed veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk to a major league contract, the team announced on Monday. The move comes as the club grapples with injuries and inconsistent production in its outfield corps. Grichuk, 34, was designated for assignment by the New York Yankees just three days ago and elected free agency, making him available for a quick pickup. To clear space on the 40-man roster, the White Sox transferred infielder Tanner Murray to the 60-day injured list. On the active roster, outfielder Austin Hays was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to May 2 with a left calf strain, opening a spot for Grichuk. The corresponding 40-man move suggests the team values Grichuk's experience over retaining a minor league option.

Grichuk's recent struggles and historical platoon success

Grichuk's tenure with the Yankees was brief and underwhelming. He took 33 plate appearances, mostly against left-handed pitching, but managed only a.194 batting average with no home runs and a.212 on-base percentage. He struck out 10 times and drew just one walk. His performance against lefties last season was also subpar:.227/.273/.430. However, from 2022 through 2024, Grichuk was one of the most productive hitters in baseball against southpaws, slashing.317/.367/.573 with 25 home runs, 34 doubles, and four triples in just under 500 plate appearances. That three-year track record likely underpins the White Sox's decision to add him, despite his recent downturn.

Outfield injuries and roster constraints

The White Sox outfield has been hit hard by injuries. Right fielder Everson Pereira landed on the injured list last week with a pectoral strain. In his absence, the team called up Jarred Kelenic, who is off to a 1-for-6 start over three games. Kelenic, a left-handed hitter, and the right-handed Hays had been splitting time in right field before Hays's injury. The team's bench lacks flexibility. Backup catcher Drew Romo is the only player with minor league options remaining. The White Sox are unlikely to cut ties with Hays, who signed a $6 million free agent deal just a month ago. Andrew Benintendi, despite poor performance, is signed through 2027 and remains the leadoff hitter. Rookie left fielder Sam Antonacci has played too well to be optioned. Luisangel Acuña, acquired in the Luis Robert Jr. trade, has been ice cold but represents a key investment.

A limited but targeted role

Grichuk's profile is narrow: he has not played center field in three seasons and has been a well below-average hitter against right-handed pitching. The White Sox plan to use him primarily as a right-handed bat off the bench, likely against left-handed pitchers. His addition provides a veteran presence and a potential platoon partner for the lefty-hitting Kelenic. The team's decision to sign Grichuk rather than promote top prospects Braden Montgomery or Hagen Smith reflects a cautious approach. Commentators have noted that rushing prospects can be detrimental, and the organization appears willing to let them develop in the minors. Grichuk, if he performs, could be traded for a low-level prospect later in the season.

What lies ahead for the White Sox outfield

With Hays expected to miss at least 10 days, Grichuk will have an opportunity to prove he can still contribute at the major league level. The White Sox are hoping that a change of scenery and a defined platoon role will revive his production. If Grichuk struggles, the team may look to other options, including Derek Hill, who has decent numbers but a high strikeout rate, or eventually call up prospects. The signing also underscores the team's current roster construction: a mix of veterans on short-term deals and young players still finding their footing. The White Sox are not expected to contend this season, making Grichuk a low-risk addition who could either provide value or be flipped at the trade deadline.

The bottom line

• Randal Grichuk signed a major league contract with the White Sox after being DFA'd by the Yankees.
• Austin Hays was placed on the 10-day IL with a left calf strain, creating an active roster spot.
• Grichuk struggled in 2026 with a.194 average but had elite platoon numbers against lefties from 2022-2024.
• The White Sox outfield is dealing with injuries to Everson Pereira and Hays, and inconsistent play from others.
• The team is prioritizing veteran experience over rushing top prospects Braden Montgomery and Hagen Smith.
• Grichuk's limited role as a right-handed bench bat against left-handed pitching reflects his narrow skill set.