Yankees predicted to make smart free agency decision with Trent Grisham

2 weeks ago 44

The New York Yankees were swept in the ALDS by the Tampa Bay Rays.

It was another disappointing finish to a hopeful season for the Yankees. They won 93 games but can't figure out how to be the last one standing at the finish line.

Now, 10 players enter free agency for the Yankees. Among them are second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. and closer David Bednar.

Center fielder Trent Grisham will also become a free agent after accepting last year's qualifying offer.

Grisham hit a career-high 34 home runs in 2025, but his production on both sides of the ball took a dramatic falloff in 2026.

The Athletic's Chris Kirschner predicts the Yankees will not have interest in retaining the 29-year-old.

"Grisham became a source of ire for the Yankees' fanbase this season after a breakout campaign in 2025. Many disagreed with the front office's decision to give him the qualifying offer, but it made sense given his offensive production.

"It wasn't a fluke either. The contact-quality metrics suggested his success last season was sustainable," Kirschner wrote.

Grisham had two injured list stints with hamstring strains, limiting his potential as an outfielder.

His 26.8 ft/per second sprint speed is not on par with an everyday MLB center fielder.

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"His free agency will be interesting to monitor because no team should view him as a center fielder anymore," Kirschner added. "The Yankees need to move on, but I'm unsure whether Spencer Jones should be the everyday center fielder in 2026."

Almost certainly, Grisham will find a contract this winter. However, don't expect it to be with the Yankees.

It's time for the AL East organization to move on from the left-handed hitter.