Trent Grisham returns from paternity list just as Yankees’ offense misses his bat

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The New York Yankees have surged to the top of the league in runs scored this season—not just because of MVP-caliber campaigns from Aaron Judge and veteran slugger Paul Goldschmidt, but also thanks to an unexpected boost from Trent Grisham.

Trent Grisham’s breakout helps fuel Yankees’ league-leading offense

Once considered a light-hitting depth piece, Grisham has emerged as a surprise contributor in 2025. The 28-year-old outfielder, who entered the year as an extra man off the bench, is off to the best start of his career, slashing .320 with six home runs and 13 RBIs over his first 20 games, including 13 starts in center field.

That level of production marks a dramatic turnaround. Grisham is a career .216 hitter and had posted sub-.200 averages in each of the last three seasons. But he’s quickly changed the narrative this year, helping to power a Yankees lineup that has been among the most dangerous in baseball.

Grisham briefly stepped away from the team this week to be with his wife, Megan, for the birth of their first child. He was placed on the paternity list and missed the Yankees’ recent three-game set in Cleveland, during which New York managed just 11 total runs and dropped two of three. Grisham was reinstated from the paternity list on Thursday’s off day and is expected to be available for Friday night’s home series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.

To temporarily fill the roster spot, the Yankees called up infielder Jorbit Vivas from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Vivas, a 24-year-old Venezuelan prospect, did not appear in a game during his brief stay and was optioned back to the minors after Wednesday’s loss. He’s been one of Scranton’s hottest hitters this year, entering the week with a .342 average, two home runs, and 14 RBIs in 20 games.

Grisham, meanwhile, continues to rewrite his story in pinstripes. The former first-round pick began his career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019 before a four-year stint with the San Diego Padres. While known primarily for his defense—he won Gold Gloves in 2020 and 2022—Grisham’s bat has rarely matched the hype. Through 643 career games, he’s batting .216 with 76 home runs and 259 RBIs.

But this year, he’s showing signs of being more than just a defensive asset.

Grisham’s resurgence has provided a valuable spark for a Yankees outfield that has seen its share of inconsistencies. With a hot start now in the books, there’s growing conversation around whether the Yankees’ outfield alignment might shift to keep his bat in the lineup.

His timing couldn’t be better. While Aaron Judge continues to dominate and Goldschmidt finds his rhythm after the worst stretch of his career, it’s been contributions from depth players like Grisham that have helped the Yankees maintain their offensive edge.

Up next

The Yankees return home Friday night to host the Blue Jays, and Grisham’s name could very well be back in the lineup. After a life-changing week off the field, he’ll look to pick up right where he left off—hitting, winning, and contributing to one of the most exciting teams in baseball.

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