The New York Yankees traded for Juan Soto in 2024, and one of the pieces they got with him was Trent Grisham. Soto left after the 2024 season, but Grisham stayed with the Yankees.
Not only did Grisham stay, but he was a huge part of the Yankees’ offense. He had a breakout year just before becoming a free agent. He got the qualifying offer from the Yankees, which he is sure to decline. Grisham will look to turn his career year into a nice payday.
Grisham set career highs in both OPS (.811) and home runs (34) in 143 games for the Yankees. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projected that Grisham would sign a four-year, $90 million deal in free agency after his stellar campaign.
“After three straight years under the Mendoza line, Grisham stepped up in his walk year to hit .235, and he paired that with lots of walks (82) and lots of homers (34),” wrote McDaniel. “He’s a fringy defender in center field who should transition to a corner outfield spot at some point during his next contract. Grisham’s combination of on-base and power skills compares well to Teoscar Hernandez’s case last winter, but Grisham offers a lot more defensive value and is hitting the market three years younger. Hernandez landed a three-year deal for $66 million with some deferrals, so I’d expect Grisham to get four years, or maybe five, at around $20 million AAV.”
Grisham will be 29 at the start of next season, so a four-year deal makes plenty of sense. There may be legitimate concerns about his defense now. He is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner in center field, but last season, he was not elite in that department. However, the biggest concern may be whether he can continue his hitting ways.
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