There’s a certain humility that comes with being an opinionated Yankees fan online. Sometimes, the Yankees prove us wrong, and it’s time to face the music.
This offseason, as the Yankees faced decisions about which players to non-tender, many of us took to analyzing every dollar. The team, of course, always has its eyes on the tax line, so even the smallest contracts get scrutinized.
This is where it gets interesting. Among those players whose futures were up in the air was Jon Berti, with a projected salary of $3-4 million, and Trent Grisham, projected to pull in $5.7 million in what would be his final year before free agency.
With Berti’s backup options at third base looking slim, letting him go seemed a risk worth considering. Grisham, on the other hand, evoked mixed feelings.
His previous season's performance was underwhelming, and rumors of a laid-back attitude only fueled debates about his worth. It seemed logical to some that Berti might have been the better value at a lower cost.
But the Yankees played their cards differently, signing Grisham to a one-year deal. In hindsight, this decision shines brightly. Grisham’s early performances this season have demonstrated his true value to the Yankees – he's looking more like an essential piece of the puzzle than a player to let go.
We might have called for Berti to stay, but looking back, that sentiment might have been premature. Sure, Berti’s with the Cubs now, holding on with a modest contribution, but those initial doubts about Grisham have taken a backseat to his current value on the field.
The start of last season didn’t offer Grisham much chance to hit his stride. This year, however, the Yankees have trusted him with consistent playtime, and it's paid dividends. His impact speaks volumes about the foresight of the Yankees’ front office – something we admittedly didn’t appreciate when budget talks were at a peak.
To Grisham and the Yankees, who saw potential we didn't, a nod of respect. It's a reminder of the unpredictability and brilliance of this sport we love.
Yankees fans, prepare for an exciting season – with Grisham right in the thick of it. If nothing else, it’s always a thrill to watch how the game unfolds beyond predictions.
