The 2025 season is shaping up to be nothing short of extraordinary for the New York Yankees, as they witness a remarkable performance that feels almost fictional. Central to this impressive narrative is Aaron Judge, whose stats are astonishing—he boasts a batting line of .396/.486/.772, reminiscent of video game levels of excellence, placing him at the top of baseball.
However, Judge is not the only standout this season. Trent Grisham, once projected to be a secondary player on the team, has emerged as a surprising offensive powerhouse. With a batting average of .276, an on-base percentage of .366, and a remarkable slugging percentage of .612, Grisham’s performance has made him a critical piece of the lineup. His 179 wRC+ indicates he is not just good—he’s significantly outperforming the average Major League Baseball hitter, standing right behind Judge.
Grisham’s transformation isn’t a mere fluke; it’s grounded in solid fundamentals. He’s showcasing exceptional plate discipline, ranking in the 96th percentile for chase rate and achieving just a 17.5% swing-and-miss rate, putting him in the top tier of hitters in the league. His ability to consistently barrel balls and maintain discipline within the strike zone highlights his sustainability as a contributor.
The emergence of Grisham not only benefits the Yankees statistically but also strategically. Manager Aaron Boone can now afford to utilize Judge as a designated hitter more frequently, which minimizes injury risks for Judge—a crucial consideration given his injury history. Grisham’s rise permits Judge to preserve his performance while maintaining the lineup’s strength.
While Grisham’s growing role complicates Boone’s lineup decisions, it’s a positive dilemma. The Yankees are experiencing a depth surge that’s essential for a competitive team. With Grisham stepping up as a reliable partner for Judge, they are not only enhancing their chances of success this season but also positioning themselves as serious contenders.
This season’s narrative is a testament to the idea that sometimes, unexpected players can alter the course of a team’s fortunes, making the journey toward the postseason all the more exciting.