September Will Make or Break Trent Grisham’s Next Contract

It’s not uncommon for an MLB player to see their production rise as they hit the prime years of their late 20s. Similarly, every year there are players who break out in the year before free agency hoping to parlay things into a big, new contract.

Over in the Bronx, the New York Yankees have an outfielder who is falling into both categories. And the difference in offensive numbers from his previous seasons to now is one that few outsiders likely expected.

Trent Grisham had generally been known as a defense first, offense second player upon arriving in New York last season. His first season with the Yankees didn’t do much to change that sentiment.

Grisham only played in 76 games last year as the team’s fourth outfielder and slashed just .190/.290/.385 with a 93 wRC+. Amazingly, none of those numbers were career lows for the former 15th overall pick.

Through the first six seasons of his career, Grisham had a slash line of .213/.313/.384 over 623 games. He could periodically come up with some big hits, as his 97 doubles, 70 homers, and 246 RBIs attested to, but he was certainly no middle of the order threat.

But his glove was reason enough for him to continue earning playing time. Grisham won two Gold Glove awards prior to being traded to the Yankees, each with the San Diego Padres in 2020 and 2022.

Thus, Grisham was back at it for the Yankees this season and this time getting more playing time than last year. And wouldn’t you know it, he got off to a nice, productive start at the plate. And then he just….stayed that way.

Grisham has already set career highs for a number of offensive categories and is on pace to do so for several more. And if he can keep it up for one more month, it could quite literally pay off for him in a big way.

All stats updated prior to games on Monday, September 8

September Is Going to Make or Break Trent Grisham’s Upcoming Contract

Among the numbers that are already career highs for Grisham this year are his 30 homers, 75 runs scored, 64 runs driven in, and 69 walks.

Rate starts are trending in that direction as well. His .475 slugging percentage, .825 OPS, and 131 wRC+ are on well track to be career bests by a wide margin. The lowest strikeout rate of his career (22.4%) and highest walk rate (13.6%) could have something to do with that.

Those numbers place him among the best outfielders in all of the American League. For the season, Grisham ranks 11th in fWAR (2.9), ninth in slugging percentage, and fourth in wRC+ among qualified AL outfielders.