Yankees Could Have a Hidden Outfield Solution in 2026

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 24, 2025 5:06 PM ET

Trent Grisham is quietly becoming a name the New York Yankees might want to keep in their back pocket beyond 2025. J oel Sherman of the New York Post looking at the expiring contracts (and those that have opt outs), explained the team’s situation with Grisham: “In theory, the Yanks could re-sign Grisham for a fourth outfielder/center field alternative if (Cody) Bellinger does not return. He still is just 28 and back to providing the elements that resonated earlier in his career: power, on-base skill and defense — though the metrics do not match his strong fielding reputation.”

A throw-in to the trade that brought Juan Soto to the Yankees, Grisham has been a surprise this season. Some think it’s a fluke, but let’s dive into what’s behind Grisham’s success this year.

Baseball Savant shows Grisham has cut down on chasing pitches outside the strike zone, dropping his chase rate to a career-low level. That discipline has led to a walk rate near 12%, boosting his on-base percentage to about .360. At the same time, FanGraphs highlights a jump in his hard-hit rate to roughly 38%, which explains the power surge and better slugging numbers. Combined with a lowered strikeout rate, Grisham is becoming a more complete hitter.

Sherman’s key question remains: “How much regression will there be?” So far, Grisham is raising his batting average and lowering his strikeout rate. If that continues alongside his other skills, Sherman notes, “he is a starting center fielder.”

With the Yankees’ outfield situation still unsettled, Grisham’s blend of power, patience, and defense makes him an intriguing piece as the season plays out — and potentially a valuable asset in the future.

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

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