The Yankees made a bold move this offseason by extending a qualifying offer to Trent Grisham, and it paid off when he accepted the $22 million deal. With the outfield market thin, retaining Grisham and Cody Bellinger solidified their lineup, maintaining the top two outfield talents they already had.
The Yankees are confident in their offense, which led the league in 2025. They believe Grisham has made key adjustments to stay consistent, as noted by Brian Cashman. Positioned as their primary leadoff hitter, Grisham benefits from Aaron Judge batting behind him, likely seeing more strikes and contributing solo home runs.
From Liability to Bargain
Cashman recently expressed satisfaction with Grisham's decision to stay, especially as the free-agent market surged. The one-year deal provides stability and flexibility for the Yankees, making the $22 million price tag seem more reasonable compared to other hefty contracts around the league.
Career Trajectory: From Bust to Breakout
Grisham’s journey has been one of perseverance. After struggling in previous years, he found his rhythm in 2025, posting career highs across the board. His .235/.348/.464 slash line, 34 home runs, and 87 RBIs marked a significant turnaround, showing he was 29% better than the average MLB hitter.
Grisham himself expressed the joy and validation of finally reaching his potential, emphasizing the hard work and belief in his abilities.
Leadoff Excellence and Judge Protection
Grisham’s impact went beyond stats. As a leadoff hitter, he provided power, with six home runs ranking him among the top in the majors.
His knack for delivering in clutch situations, often giving the Yankees the lead, was invaluable. Batting ahead of Judge, Grisham saw better pitches, forcing opponents to strategize carefully.
His advanced metrics support the breakout, showcasing improved plate discipline and power. Grisham’s high barrel and chase rates, along with an impressive walk rate, highlight his evolved approach at the plate.
The Hamstring Issue and Defensive Concerns
Despite dealing with hamstring issues that affected his defense, Grisham’s potential remains high. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the injury’s impact but believes a healthy Grisham can return to his Gold Glove form. The Yankees are optimistic that with recovery, his elite defense and baserunning will complement his offensive prowess.
Continuity and Championship Aspirations
Grisham values the team’s continuity, seeing it as a strength. He believes the camaraderie built last season is crucial for championship success.
Cashman shares this sentiment, confident that Grisham’s 2025 performance was no fluke. The metrics and his improved approach suggest the Yankees made a wise investment.
In a market where outfielders commanded massive contracts, securing Grisham for $22 million stands out as a savvy offseason move. The Yankees are banking on his breakout being the real deal, and all signs point to them being right.