Yankees line up $45M proposal for Trent Grisham

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NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are open to keep Trent Grisham in the Bronx.

They are preparing to offer the outfielder a three-year, $45 million contract to keep him in pinstripes beyond this season, according to multiple sources familiar with internal discussions.

The proposal would lock up the 28-year-old through his age-31 season. It represents a significant reward for a player retained with a $5-million contract.

His 2025 turnaround became one of the Yankees’ most surprising success stories. After a sluggish first year in New York, Trent Grisham reemerged as both an offensive force and a dependable outfield option, reshaping his career and his value to the club.

From afterthought to key contributor

Grisham’s road to redemption has been anything but easy. He joined the Yankees in December 2023 as the lesser-known piece in the blockbuster trade that brought Juan Soto from San Diego. His debut season in New York was rough. In 2024, he hit just .190 with nine home runs over 209 plate appearances and often found himself behind Alex Verdugo and Giancarlo Stanton on the depth chart.

By that winter, speculation swirled that the Yankees might non-tender him rather than pay his arbitration salary. Instead, Grisham turned his career around in dramatic fashion.

In 2025, he posted a .238 batting average, a .347 on-base percentage, and a .474 slugging percentage while crushing 33 home runs and driving in 71 runs. His 130 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) ranked 30 percent above league average, and his .811 OPS finished second among all qualified center fielders.

That surge produced an estimated 3.2 Wins Above Replacement, according to FanGraphs, making him a top-10 performer at his position. His 33 home runs shattered his previous career high of 17 set in San Diego.

“It’s a hard game,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said in August. “You see countless examples of guys figuring it out as their career unfolds. Obviously, this is the best offensive season by a lot that he’s had. I think it’s a testament to talent meeting experience.”

What fueled Grisham breakout

Grisham’s rebound was not random. He tightened his swing mechanics and approach, improving his plate discipline and contact quality. His 14.6 percent barrel rate and .380 expected weighted on-base average ranked among the best in the league. His expected slugging percentage (.518) even outpaced his actual production, suggesting the results were sustainable rather than lucky.

He also showed patience rarely seen in previous seasons, posting a 13.6 percent walk rate and one of the lowest chase rates in baseball. The left-handed hitter punished mistakes in the strike zone while showing a better eye on breaking pitches away.

Why the Yankees want him back

There are several reasons the Yankees are motivated to keep Grisham in the Bronx.

First, his left-handed bat brings balance to a lineup stacked with right-handed power hitters such as Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. His swing is built for Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch, giving opposing pitchers a constant threat from the left side.

Second, Grisham provides defensive versatility. Although his metrics dipped in 2025—he posted minus-11 Defensive Runs Saved—his track record as a two-time Gold Glove winner (2020, 2022) suggests those numbers may rebound. Yankees coaches believe his athleticism, range, and instincts remain assets across all three outfield positions.

Boone often used Grisham in late innings for defense or as a spot starter against right-handed pitching. That flexibility became critical when Judge missed time in August. During that stretch, Grisham’s steady play helped stabilize the outfield and contributed to the team’s late-season surge into October.

“He wasn’t the team’s headliner, but his athleticism, range and left-handed bat gave New York the kind of flexibility it often lacked in 2025,” one Yankees staffer said.

A four-year deal that makes sense

The Yankees’ proposed three-year, $45 million deal would secure a player entering his prime at an average annual value of $15 million. It would also offer the club cost certainty while avoiding the risk of a one-year qualifying offer, which is projected around $22 million this winter.

Market projections align with the Yankees’ approach. Spotrac places Grisham’s market value near four years and $48 million, while Bleacher Report suggested he could earn between $12 million and $15 million per year based on his 2025 production. The Yankees’ rumored offer falls right in that range—enough to be competitive while avoiding overpayment.

This structure also fits New York’s long-term payroll goals. With large contracts already committed to Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Stanton, a $15 million annual investment is manageable under the luxury tax threshold. It gives the Yankees a reliable outfield piece without limiting their ability to chase top-tier free agents or pitching upgrades this winter.

Fit within the Yankees’ future plans

Grisham’s versatility also provides roster insurance. Cody Bellinger, who played center field in 2025, is expected to decline his player option and test free agency. Prospects Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are still developing and may not be ready for full-time roles.

That leaves Judge as the only guaranteed outfield anchor. Re-signing Grisham would give the Yankees much-needed stability and flexibility in center or left field while the younger players mature.

“This is a former first-round pick,” Boone said earlier this year. “Talented guy. Everyone’s trajectory is not like this. You see guys figuring it out later. This is by far his best offensive season.”

What the market could decide

Interest in Grisham extends beyond New York. The Detroit Tigers have been identified by league insiders as a potential suitor for his services. The Mets and Phillies could also enter the conversation, given their need for center-field help and willingness to spend.

At the trade deadline, reports surfaced that the Yankees and Mets even discussed a one-for-one swap of Grisham for Brett Baty, though talks never advanced. That level of attention suggests other teams recognize the value of his 2025 breakout.

If rival bids climb beyond $15 million annually or extend to four years, the Yankees might reconsider. But at their proposed price point, retaining Grisham would be viewed as a smart, team-friendly move that secures depth and production without overspending.

Risk and reward

There is always some uncertainty. Grisham’s defensive dip and streaky offensive history cannot be ignored. Still, the Yankees appear convinced that his 2025 surge represents genuine growth rather than a one-year spike. His improved approach at the plate, consistent health, and ability to contribute across all phases of the game make him an asset worth keeping.

For Grisham, the offer would provide financial security and a chance to continue his career in a familiar environment. For the Yankees, it would protect their roster depth and preserve left-right balance in the lineup while maintaining payroll flexibility.

As the offseason approaches, the Yankees’ front office is expected to formalize discussions with Grisham’s representatives. If agreed upon, the deal would mark a vote of confidence in a player who went from afterthought to everyday contributor in just one year.

The Yankees see a player entering his prime who can anchor the middle of the outfield and extend their offensive depth. Grisham, once viewed as a trade throw-in, now stands at the center of their winter plans.

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