BALTIMORE — With a career year nearing its end, Trent Grisham is going to get a raise on the open market this winter.
Whether that comes via a long-term deal or a one-year qualifying offer remains to be seen, but a source confirmed to the Daily News that the going rate for the latter will be approximately $22 million this offseason. The source stressed that that is an estimated projection; the qualifying offer number will be finalized after the season ends.
The New York Post’s Joel Sherman first reported the price tag.
As far as the Yankees go, this news relates more to Grisham than anyone else. He has had a surprisingly sensational season, entering Friday’s game against the Orioles with 33 home runs, 71 RBI, an .821 OPS and a 130 wRC+. All are career-highs for the 28-year-old, who had a .697 OPS and a 95 wRC+ over his first six big league seasons.
Acquired from the Padres in the Juan Soto trade, Grisham barely played last season, his first with the Yankees, and hit .191 from 2022-2024. He has repeatedly attributed his standout walk year to having a better mindset.
“This is a former first-round pick, talented guy. Everyone’s trajectory is not like this,” Aaron Boone said last month, gesturing a straight line. “It’s a hard game. Hitting in the big leagues is hard. You see countless examples of guys finding themselves, really figuring it out a little bit, especially offensively, as their career unfolds. He’s had success. He’s hit for some power, but certainly, this is the best offensive season by a lot that he’s had.
“I think it’s a testament to talent meeting experience and having a plan.”
The Yankees could extend the one-year qualifying offer to Grisham, a two-time Gold Glover who has seen his defense in center slip a bit this season, though he did battle a nagging hamstring for several weeks this summer.
Extending the offer would net the Yankees a draft pick if Grisham signs elsewhere. On the flip side, teams that sign players who reject qualifying offers are subject to the loss of one or more picks.
That penalty and the fact that Grisham’s offensive outburst is a drastic departure from career norms could limit his market.
If Grisham were to accept the offer, the Yankees would be on the hook for a sizable salary in 2026. However, $22 million or so would be a worthwhile price if Grisham can replicate his 2025 production.
While Grisham will surely want long-term security after his breakout season, accepting the qualifying offer would net him a significant raise in 2026. It would also keep him in a comfortable situation.
“I like this place a lot,” Grisham said when asked about potentially continuing his career in the Bronx. “I like the guys we have in the clubhouse. I like New York. There’s a lot of things I like about it, so we’ll see.”
Grisham isn’t the only outfielder the Yankees will have to make some decisions on this offseason, as Cody Bellinger is likely heading for free agency too. He has a $25 million player option that he is expected to decline, and his track record makes him a safer candidate for a long-term deal. He can also play center, as well as the other outfield positions and first base.
Like Grisham, Bellinger has also enjoyed his time with the Yankees.
With Aaron Judge under contract for years to come, youngsters Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones will also factor into the Yankees’ outfield puzzle this offseason.
