Yankees’ quiet pickup Grisham making loud impact, turning heads and games

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Outfielder Trent Grisham was widely viewed as a supplementary piece when the New York Yankees retained the arbitration-bound player for the 2025 campaign. But less than two weeks into the 2025 MLB season, Grisham’s performance and attitude are flipping that narrative—and proving the Yankees’ gamble was far more than a roster footnote.

Coming off a standout performance in the Yankees’ 9-7 win over the Diamondbacks, Grisham is making a compelling case to play a larger role in New York’s crowded outfield. And he’s doing it with both his bat and his mindset.

“My job is to be ready every day, no matter if it’s off the bench or if I’m starting that day,” Grisham said after the win over Arizona. “I’m here to help this team win in any way I can.”

That attitude, paired with early-season production, is quickly making him indispensable.

Aacquired Trent Grisham in the high-profile offseason trade that brought Juan Soto to the Bronx for the 2024 campaign, the former Padres player was viewed as a fringe outfielder. With two Gold Gloves to his name and a reputation as a defensive stalwart, the outfielder’s role appeared clear: a left-handed bench bat, defensive replacement, and outfield insurance policy.

However, in 10 at-bats this season, Grisham has a batting average of .500, an on-base percentage of .583, and a slugging percentage of .900, with 1 home run, 3 RBIs, and 1.483 OPS.

Grisham’s big night in the Bronx

In Thursday night’s win over the Diamondbacks, Grisham went 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs, and three runs scored. He doubled in the first inning to drive in the Yankees’ fourth run and followed that up with a two-run homer off veteran Merrill Kelly in the third to extend the lead to 6-1. Grisham’s offensive outburst wasn’t just timely—it was efficient.

Through his first 10 at-bats of the season, the 28-year-old outfielder is hitting .500 with a .583 on-base percentage and has already driven in four runs. Though he has only appeared in five games, Grisham has shown a knack for delivering in big spots, outperforming several of the Yankees’ regular starters.

From injury setback to immediate Yankees impact

Grisham didn’t have the smoothest start to his 2025 campaign. A hamstring strain during his preseason ramp-up delayed his arrival in Grapefruit League action, sidelining him for over a week. But when he returned, he wasted no time catching up—literally sprinting into the regular season with energy and purpose.

That urgency has been crucial for a Yankees team already navigating key injuries. With Giancarlo Stanton battling elbow and calf issues and Jasson Dominguez still acclimating in left field, Grisham has filled a much-needed gap—both defensively and offensively.

Cashman’s calculated bet paying off

When Yankees general manager Brian Cashman orchestrated the blockbuster seven-player deal with the San Diego Padres that landed Soto, Grisham was widely seen as a complementary piece. But Cashman made it clear at the time that he expected more from the two-time Gold Glove winner.

“I thought Trent would play more,” Cashman admitted last month, reflecting on the 2024 season in which Grisham made just 52 starts in 76 games. A year ago, New York’s starting outfield remained unusually healthy throughout the year, limiting opportunities for Grisham. That’s unlikely to be the case in 2025.

This offseason, the Yankees re-signed Grisham to a one-year, $5 million deal with up to $250,000 in incentives. It wasn’t a blockbuster contract, but it was a clear sign of faith from the front office—one that’s already being rewarded.

Quiet bat, golden glove, and a growing role

Grisham has never been known for offensive consistency. He entered 2025 with a career OPS+ of 94, making him a slightly below-league-average hitter. In 2024, he hit just .190 with nine home runs and 31 RBIs. Yet even in that limited role, his defensive value—especially in center field—has remained elite.

He boasts two Gold Gloves, earned in 2020 and 2022, and continues to show the instincts and range that make him one of the most reliable defensive outfielders in the game. With the Yankees navigating early-season lineup shuffles, Grisham’s glove offers security that goes beyond the box score.

Beyond the field, Grisham has quickly become a well-regarded presence in the Yankees‘ clubhouse. His selfless approach, clear communication, and willingness to accept any role have resonated with teammates and coaches alike.

“He’s the kind of guy who just wants to win,” said one team source. “You can slot him in anywhere and he’ll give you everything he’s got.”

That type of versatility has always been coveted in the Bronx, especially on a team with championship ambitions.

Becoming a key cog in Yankees’ wheels

With a tough stretch of games coming up—including series against the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets—the Yankees are going to need every ounce of depth they can muster. And with Stanton’s availability still in question, Grisham’s opportunities could grow fast.

Whether he’s starting in center, pinch-hitting late, or offering defensive coverage, Trent Grisham has already made his mark in pinstripes. His early-season grit and performance make it clear: the Yankees didn’t just get the better end of the Juan Soto trade—they unearthed a difference-maker in Grisham.

As the season unfolds, don’t be surprised if the man once seen as an afterthought becomes a key cog in the Yankees’ 2025 campaign.

One thing’s for sure—Trent Grisham isn’t waiting for an invitation to shine. He’s already there.

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