The New York Yankees paid Trent Grisham for his massive breakout during the 2025 MLB season. They cannot keep playing him because of it, though. New York gave Grisham a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer after he produced career highs with 34 home runs, 87 runs and an .812 OPS in 2025.
Brian Cashman even called the contract a potential bargain during the offseason. It has become anything but, as Grisham is hitting .211 with 12 home runs, 43 RBIs and a .689 OPS.
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Those numbers are disappointing enough. His current stretch is considerably worse. The Yankee Report captured the problem in one post. He is 8 for his last 70, which is a .114 batting average. That is not a routine slump anymore. It is nearly three weeks of an everyday lineup spot producing almost nothing.
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Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham (12) celebrates his double against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning of game two of the Wildcard round of the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Grisham still offers occasional power, patience and capable center-field defense. That combination gave him value when the home runs were leaving the yard. Now the Yankees are paying middle-of-the-order money for production they could receive from a fourth outfielder.
The timing makes it worse. Without Aaron Judge, New York’s offense has fallen near the bottom of MLB in batting average, on-base percentage and OPS. The Yankees cannot keep giving premium plate appearances to a hitter this cold while trying to protect a fragile postseason position.
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The roster offers alternatives, friends. The cupboard isn’t bare. George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones and deadline acquisition Heliot Ramos need meaningful opportunities as New York determines which younger players belong in its future.
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The Yankees do not necessarily need to release Grisham tonight. They should reduce his role, move him out of the leadoff spot and let him walk after the season. Last year’s breakout earned Grisham a bag. Seventy at-bats of almost nothing should help ensure it is his last one in New York.
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