Grisham's Qualifying Offer Haunts Bombers Offseason
- Matthew Nethercott
- Dec 3, 2025
- 3 min read
The YES network began their annual "Hot Stove" series on Wednesday, and provided few updates to the Yankees offseason plans, and potentially putting some ice on rumors.
Payroll
The first order of business the YES staff of Bob Lorenz, Michael Kay and Jack Curry took care of was addressing the payroll. It seems the Yankees are going to attempt to keep it under $300M. The staff also mentioned that Trent Grisham taking the qualifying offer puts a damper on their offseason plans, and pursuit of free agents.
We all knew that Grisham taking the qualifying offer would affect the spending, so it further begs the question of why the Yankees offered it in the first place? It was always a concern, and $22 million is a lot of money on one player, especially an inconsistent one. Curry mentioned that Yankee people think that Grisham's 2025 season is sustainable. For the price he is being payed, it better be.
According to Spotrack, the Yankees payroll currently sits at $280,778,333. That leaves less than $20 million to spend if the goal is to be under $300M. With the holes still on the team, that's not a lot of wiggle room.
Outfield
The Yankees are still in talks with Cody Bellinger, though nothing is close. Curry noted that the price might get too high for the Yankees comfort, and will look to Jasson Domínguez and Sepencer Jones to fill the void in left field.
For the Yankees to lose the production Bellinger gave them in 2025 and not improve much would be a detrimental to the team.
There was no mention about Kyle Tucker, who visited the Blue Jays facility in Dunedin, FLA today, according to Fansided.
Pitching
The Yankees will be in the market for relievers. They will not be in the market for big time relievers, such as Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez. Curry mentioned five relievers the Yankees have for 2026 (below), but they need more in the bullpen. This list includes Jake Bird, who was optioned to AAA after pitching just two innings for the Yankees. Bird also struggled in AAA, posting a 6.32 in 15.2 innings.
Curry also mentioned that the Yankees are comfortable with David Bednar being the full time closer. Bednar was really good for the Yankees down the stretch and in the postseason and deserves a full season as their closer.
Kay mentioned that their could be the temptation for the Yankees to add another starting pitcher through trade, but Curry mentioned the overwhelming depth in the pitching department the Yankees have.
Still, the Yankees should look to add a starter because injuries do happen and they can't just rely on depth when trying to win a chapionship.
Infield
Pete Alonso is not on the Yankees radar and Ben Rice will presumably take up the first base position in 2026.
Curry also mentioned that Josè Caballero and Oswaldo Cabrera will fill in at shortstop while Anthony Volpe rehabs from his shoulder surgery. Curry re-iterated the organization's continued belief in Volpe. The constant defense of Volpe is getting sicking.
Other Thoughts
The Yankees are keeping their cards close to their chest. Curry gave no indication on the players the Yankees are planning to pursue in free agency or in trade.
It seems that the Yankees could be close to out on Bellinger, given the change in tone and language from those in the know. The Yankees could look to fill the void in left by acquiring a player like Brendan Donovan. Donovan would be the perfect fit for the Yankees needs, a solid defender with bat-on-ball skills, and a lefty pull hitter. According to Statcast, Donovan would gain five or more home runs per season if he payed all 162 games at Yankee Stadium. In total, Donovan slashed .287/.353/.422 with a .775 OPS and 10 homers in 2025.
I found it interesting that the Japanese market was not mentioned at all. Sources indicate the Yankees will be involved in the international market, but that is no guarantee that the Yankees land one of the players.
The winter meetings begin on Sunday night in Orlando, and the Yankees should be active at the least during that period. YES network will continue their "Hot Stove" programming on Sunday at 9:00pm.
Comments