Things aren’t going well for the New York Yankees right now. Aaron Boone recently defended his center fielder, Trent Grisham, after a controversial play in the ninth inning of Thursday’s 8-4 loss to Cincinnati:
“I mean, that’s one of those that looks bad in the moment, especially going through what we’re going through as a team right now. It’s also the way Trent Grisham, a Gold Glover, plays center field — like that relaxed, easy nature. Do I want him to square up to it and tackle it like you and I might in a side game? “
“Not really. I want him to catch the ball and get it in and keep that guy off second base, but he has a track record of outstanding play out there and that’s kind of the way he does — kind of a slow heartbeat, motor and that when you’re through it doesn’t look great. I understand that.”
Despite Boone’s defense, the Yankees just endured a home sweep by the Reds, and after a strong first two months of the season, Boone’s team has only managed a 14-16 record since June began. The Yankees haven’t won a series since taking three of four from the Royals from June 10-13. Among the struggling players, no one seems to be feeling the pressure more than Trent Grisham.
What happened to Trent Grisham
Trent Grisham’s apparent lack of hustle on the controversial play allowed Jeimer Candelario to advance to second base on what should have been a simple single. Although Candelario was left stranded, the play did not sit well with Yankees fans, who have grown weary of watching their team lose. This sentiment was evident from the loud boos directed at Grisham.
Trent Grisham‘s offensive struggles have compounded the issue. In his first season with the Yankees, since being acquired in the December Juan Soto trade from the Padres, Grisham is hitting a mere .165/.287/.365.
Indeed, Trent Grisham is a two-time Gold Glove winner, having claimed the award in 2020 and 2022 with the Padres. Statcast data supports his reputation as a strong defender, consistently showing his value in the field, even in limited playing time this season. However, Yankees fans weren’t questioning his abilities; they were frustrated by what seemed to be a lack of effort on that particular play.
The Yankees’ recent slump and the visible lack of effort from players like Trent Grisham have tested the patience of their passionate fan base. With the team struggling and playoff hopes dwindling, every play and every player’s effort is under intense scrutiny. For Grisham and the Yankees, turning the season around will require not only better performance but also demonstrating the hustle and dedication that fans expect.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
It was a Bad Look, PERIOD. I know he is a gold glover, but hustle is something that has to be fulltime, no matter the score. Shades of Gleyber Torres on that one.
What else can Boone say that protects his job? Boone knows the FO is insistent that Grisham play right now against pretty much every RHSP.