Yankees Outfielder Accepts Qualifying Offer

Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham has accepted his qualifying offer, something that was unexpected.

Grisham, 29, had his best career year on the offensive side of the ball. Grisham posted a .235 batting average with a .348 on-base percentage and a .811 OPS. Grisham also had a career-high 34 home runs on the season. Grisham was an essential cog in the Yankees lineup as their primary leadoff hitter.

Grisham’s defense took a noticeable step back in 2025, marking his first season as a net negative in center field. Long regarded as a plus defender with strong routes, reliable reads, and above-average range, Grisham struggled to replicate that form throughout the year. His jumps weren’t as sharp, his closing speed appeared diminished at times, and a few misplays in key moments highlighted the regression. Statistically, the metrics backed up the eye test: his Outs Above Average dipped into the negatives, and his Defensive Runs Saved followed suit. For a player whose value has often hinged on elite outfield play, the decline raised questions about whether it was a one-year blip or the beginning of a downward trend.

Grisham will now get a chance to show that his 2024 season was not a fluke.