Former Brewers outfielder having career year before free agency 1 Sep 2, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham (12) hits a grand slam during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Former Brewers outfielder having career year before free agency

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Tyler Koerth_ | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Not long ago, the Milwaukee Brewers called up outfielder Trent Grisham for the stretch run of the 2019 season. At the time, he was known for his unusual batting grip, with his thumbs pointed straight up. Unfortunately, Brewers fans most remember him for a costly error in that year’s Wild Card game, a moment that overshadowed his brief stint in Milwaukee as that offseason he was traded to the San Diego Padres.

With the Padres, Grisham was a two time Gold Glove award winner, in both 2020 and 2022. He then was shipped to the New York Yankees in the same trade that netted them Juan Soto. While Soto is gone, Grisham is in his final year of team control with the Yankees and is having a career year at the plate.

Former Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Trent Grisham is having a career year before free agency

This year, the left-handed hitting Grisham has found his power stroke, mashing 30 home runs. He also has a .840 OPS and 131 OPS+. As a center fielder, he is just one of seven Yankees to ever accomplish a 30+ homer season, joining Aaron Judge, Curtis Granderson, Bernie Williams, Bobby Murcer, Mickey Mantle, and Joe DiMaggio.

Furthermore, Grisham is second among center fielders this year in long balls, trailing only Jo Adell of the Angels, who has 33. Byron Buxton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Julio Rodriguez all have realistic odds of joining the 30 home run club this season, but for now it is Adell and Grisham as the only two players to reach the milestone.

For Grisham, this power surge comes at a perfect time, as he will be a free agent at seasons end. While teams may be hesitant to count on a repeat 30-homer campaign, especially considering the short 314-foot right field porch at Yankee Stadium and his previous career high of 17 home run, this should still position him for a solid payday.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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