Yankees Bet on Trent Grisham to Build on Breakout 2025 Season

The New York Yankees have expressed confidence in outfielder Trent Grisham following his standout performance in the 2025 season. After struggling in previous years, Grisham emerged as a significant contributor, achieving career highs with 34 home runs, 74 runs batted in (RBI), and an .811 OPS. His transformation came after a lackluster start to his major league career, during which he posted a 95 wRC+ over six seasons, including a particularly disappointing 87 wRC+ from 2022 to 2024.

Grisham joined the Yankees as part of the trade for Juan Soto but had minimal impact in his initial season with the team. His resurgence in 2025 saw him take on the role of the primary center fielder and leadoff hitter against right-handed pitchers. This unexpected turnaround has led the Yankees to offer him a one-year qualifying deal worth $22.025 million, which he accepted.

Management Optimistic About Grisham’s Future

Team management is optimistic about Grisham’s ability to maintain his performance. General Manager Brian Cashman remarked on the player’s potential by noting, “We do believe in the player. We believe his adjustments are real.” Cashman indicated that Grisham’s swing is well-suited for Yankee Stadium and emphasized his fearless approach to playing in the high-pressure environment of New York.

Despite the uncertainty of replicating his breakout season, Grisham’s recent success has been attributed to both technical adjustments and a newfound mental approach. He sought guidance from Dr. Bob Rotella, a renowned sports psychologist known for his work with athletes, particularly in golf. Grisham described his previous mindset as detrimental, saying he had been “thinking like crap for a few years and playing like crap.”

Performance Metrics Indicate Sustainable Success

Several advanced metrics support the notion that Grisham’s 2025 performance may not be a fluke. He achieved personal bests with a 14.2 Barrel%, an average exit velocity of 91.1 mph, and a .353 wOBA. Notably, his expected weighted on-base average, .366 xwOBA, ranked in the 90th percentile, indicating strong potential for continued success.

Grisham also displayed significant improvement in his ability to avoid weak contact, with metrics showing he was better at making solid contact than ever before. His 17.3 Chase% and 14.1 BB% rates placed him in the 99th percentile, suggesting he has developed a more disciplined approach at the plate. While some analysts argue he may have been overly patient, his ability to pull the ball in the air at a career-high 23.5% rate bodes well for his power numbers.

Cashman remains supportive of Grisham’s trajectory, stating, “All the underlying information that would lead you to believe real or not real, it points to the real arrow.” He added that the metrics back up the significant changes Grisham made in his approach, which should lead to sustained performance.

Looking ahead, Grisham’s return to the Yankees comes with the added incentive of hitting free agency next winter, when he will be 30 years old and no longer subject to draft pick compensation. This situation could enhance his prospects for a lucrative long-term contract, although Cashman has not dismissed the possibility of discussing an extension with Grisham sooner.

As Grisham prepares for the upcoming season, he aims to prove that his 2025 achievements were not merely a one-time occurrence. With a supportive environment and a clearer mental approach, he has the potential to solidify his place as a key player for the Yankees and a sought-after asset in free agency.