Outfielder Randal Grichuk has declined his mutual option and become a free agent. Grichuk had a $5 million mutual option that had to be exercised by both him and the club, and the deal includes a $3 million buyout that Grichuk will now receive.
Grichuk was acquired at the July trade deadline from the Diamondbacks in exchange for pitcher Andrew Hoffmann. The 34-year-old veteran is a right-handed bat known for mashing lefties. He appeared in 43 games for Kansas City and hit .206/.267/.299 with two home runs. Overall, he hit .228/.273/.401 in 113 games between the Diamonbacks and Royals.
The Royals already declined the club option on Michael Lorenzen, and have to decide on whether to exercise the $13.5 million club option on Salvador Perez this week. J.J. Picollo has already said Perez will return next year, but did not indicate if it would be on the option or on a new deal. Other Royals free agents include Adam Frazier, Hunter Harvey, Luke Maile, and Mike Yastrzemski.