grimsley signed with the tigers on january 17, 1997, but was released following spring training. on april 3, he signed with the brewers and on july 29, was traded to the royals for jamie brewington. he was granted free agency on october 15. on january 8, 1998, he was signed with the cleveland indians. he did not appear in a major league game that year and was granted free agency on october 15.