If you’re trying to keep up with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ trade deadline activity, you’re not alone — and you’re not sleeping much. The D-Backs are moving fast, and Saturday brought yet another chapter in their sell-mode saga.
Veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk is headed to the Kansas City Royals, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. In return, Arizona acquires 25-year-old right-handed reliever Andrew Hoffman — a prospect with some solid swing-and-miss stuff who has already tasted the majors this season.
Grichuk found out mid-game, started in right field for Arizona in Pittsburgh, and was pulled after the news broke. He made the classic walk through the dugout, exchanging hugs and handshakes — the unofficial “yep, I just got traded” moment we all know by now.
Royals Get Depth, Pop, and a Vet Presence
Grichuk brings some steady right-handed pop to Kansas City, which has quietly worked itself into contention and needs outfield stability as the playoff chase heats up. In 69 games with Arizona this year, he’s hitting .243 with a .742 OPS, seven homers, and 22 RBIs.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but Grichuk’s value is in his versatility and streaky power. He can fill a corner outfield spot, take reps at DH, and give the Royals a solid righty bat against left-handed pitching. He’s been around — St. Louis, Toronto, Colorado, the Angels — and brings playoff experience into a young and hungry clubhouse.
Diamondbacks Get More Arms, More Upside
Arizona, meanwhile, adds another arm to their growing bullpen project. Hoffman has a 2.25 ERA in Triple-A Omaha and has punched out 55 batters in 40 innings. He’s made three appearances in the bigs this year and will likely see more if Arizona gives him runway down the stretch.
This move continues the D-Backs’ deadline blueprint: Sell veteran pieces with short-term contracts and stack up young, controllable arms. With Josh Naylor already off to Seattle and Eugenio Suárez reportedly next on the block, GM Mike Hazen seems determined to reshape this roster with long-term flexibility in mind.
Arizona’s chances of contending in 2025 may be fading quickly, but their front office is working hard to ensure 2026 looks a whole lot brighter.
