Should the Yankees Extend a Qualifying Offer to Trent Grisham?

As the deadline approaches for the New York Yankees to make qualifying offers to their pending free agents, a critical question looms: Should they extend a qualifying offer to Trent Grisham? This decision reflects Grisham’s significant impact during the 2024 season, a stark contrast to a year ago when there were doubts about his future with the team.

The Financial Implications

The Yankees find themselves facing a $22.025 million dilemma regarding Grisham, who stands as the team’s primary candidate for a qualifying offer among their free agents. Other notable players, such as Cody Bellinger and reliever Devin Williams, are not eligible for reasons including previously receiving a qualifying offer or struggling performance throughout the season.

If the Yankees decide to extend a qualifying offer to Grisham, they would secure draft pick compensation should he sign with another team. However, the nuances of this situation warrant careful consideration:

• Risk of Acceptance: While Grisham may accept a one-year offer for an amount that could surpass what he would see on the open market, there’s potential for greater earnings through a multiyear contract elsewhere.
• Crowded Outfield: A successful re-signing of both Grisham and Bellinger could congest the outfield, overshadowing the playing time opportunities for emerging talent like Jasson Domínguez and top prospect Spencer Jones.

Trent Grisham is the sole candidate among the Yankees’ free agents for a qualifying offer. (Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post)

The Center Field Conundrum

The balancing act for the Yankees extends beyond Grisham. If they don’t extend the qualifying offer and subsequently lose Bellinger to another club—a real possibility given his status as a top outfield option—they risk a vacuum in center field.

Alternative options are limited. One interesting prospect is former Yankee Harrison Bader, who has opted out of his deal with the Phillies and could provide valuable defense and right-handed hitting in the outfield.

Harrison Bader, who opted out of his Phillies deal, could be an option to return to the Yankees. (Getty Images)

Evaluating Trent Grisham’s Performance

The Yankees must also weigh whether Grisham’s recent breakout season is a sign of long-term sustainability.

Season Overview:

• Previous Struggles: Grisham recorded a disappointing .213 batting average with a .697 OPS over his first six seasons, including a lackluster performance in 2024 where he batted .190.
• Breakout Year: The 2025 season saw Grisham hit .235 with an impressive .811 OPS, showcasing newfound power with 34 home runs—double his previous career high.
• On-Base Percentage: His .348 on-base percentage ranked third among everyday Yankees players, only trailing Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.

Observations on Defense

Although Grisham’s defense remains reliable, his advanced metrics showed concerning signs with a minus-11 Defensive Runs Saved, ranking as the fourth-worst in the league among qualified center fielders.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to extend a qualifying offer to Trent Grisham poses both opportunities and risks for the Yankees. The team’s strategic future hinges on leveraging his recent success while considering the implications of a crowded outfield and potential free agency losses.

As the deadline approaches, the Yankees will need to evaluate not only Grisham’s value based on statistics but also how he fits into their long-term plans. This pivotal decision could shape the organization’s roster dynamics for years to come.

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