The New York Yankees face a key decision before Thursday’s deadline: to offer Trent Grisham a qualifying offer or not. The 29-year-old left-handed outfielder has become the leading candidate within the team to receive the offer, valued at $22.025 million.
His name is at the center of management discussions after a season that exceeded expectations and repositioned him as a valuable asset on the New York roster. A year ago, his future with the club was in doubt; today, his performance has created a real financial and sporting dilemma in the Bronx.
According to MLB rules, if Grisham receives the offer and decides to sign with another team, the Yankees would receive a compensatory pick in the draft. However, there is also the possibility that the player will accept the contract, an option that would guarantee him an annual salary higher than what he could receive on the free agent market, albeit at the cost of a shorter contract.
Bellinger and Domínguez, the pieces that determine the decision
The situation is complicated by the case of Cody Bellinger, who is not eligible for a qualifying offer because he has already received one in the past. The Yankees hope to define their future before deciding on Grisham, as the eventual return of both players would create an excess of outfielders alongside Aaron Judge, reducing opportunities for Jasson Domínguez and limiting the promotion of prospect Spencer Jones in 2026.
If Grisham accepts the offer, the team could still negotiate a trade, although that move would depend on how the free agent market evolves and the talks with Bellinger. The risk of not extending the offer is that if the Yankees fail to retain Bellinger, they could be left without a starting center fielder in a market with few alternatives. Among the viable options is former Yankee Harrison Bader, who terminated his contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and could fit in as an elite defender.
Grisham, between consolidation and statistical uncertainty
Grisham had his best season as a pro in 2025, with 34 home runs, a .235 batting average, and an OPS of .811, double his previous high. He also recorded an on-base percentage of .348, the third highest on the team, behind only Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
Despite his offensive contribution, his defensive metrics showed mixed results: the two-time Gold Glove winner finished with -11 Defensive Runs Saved, the fourth-worst figure among qualified center fielders.
The big question for management is whether this version of Grisham represents a sustainable evolution or a circumstantial peak. The decision to extend him a qualifying offer will define not only his future, but also the direction of center field at Yankee Stadium in 2026.
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