The New York Yankees are taking a significant step in their offseason strategy by extending a qualifying offer to outfielder Trent Grisham, who enjoyed a breakout season with 34 home runs. The offer, valued at $22.025 million, has put Grisham in a position to either accept the one-year deal or explore free agency. Should he choose to sign with another club, the Yankees would benefit from a compensatory draft pick in the 2026 draft.
This decision has raised some eyebrows, especially considering Grisham’s rocky performance history. Just a year ago, he hovered near the non-tender threshold. While his impressive power numbers certainly stand out, deeper analysis reveals some concerns. Grisham’s fielding metrics have taken a noticeable dip, falling from a +7 Fielding Run Value in 2023 to a troubling -3 this past season. Additionally, as seen with many players, there is often a surge in performance during contract years, leading to speculation that Grisham may not replicate this year’s success, especially at a significantly higher cost.
Despite these uncertainties, the Yankees are leveraging this only qualifying offer opportunity, especially since fellow outfielder Cody Bellinger is ineligible for such an offer after previously receiving one from the Cubs. Bellinger will now hit the open market without the constraints of a qualifying offer, which could complicate the Yankees’ roster decisions moving forward.
This move by the Yankees reflects their proactive approach to building a competitive team while weighing the potential risks and rewards of Grisham’s capabilities. The decision could ultimately shape the future of not only Grisham’s career but also the Yankees’ roster composition as they prepare for the upcoming season.