Yankees have perfect offseason Trent Grisham solution staring them in the face

The evolution of the conversation surrounding Trent Grisham dating back to last year has been as comprehensive (and crazy) as it gets. Most New York Yankees fans cannot believe we have arrived at this juncture.

In 2024, Grisham was a part-timer who hit .190 with a .675 OPS. There was some speculation he could be non-tendered when the offseason arrived. At the time, it made little sense for the Yankees to invest $5 million in an outfielder who it felt like they didn't have much faith in, which left many questioning why they acquired him in the Juan Soto trade the year prior.

But then the two sides avoided arbitration with a static salary for 2025. Then Grisham opened the season as a flexible fourth outfield option. Then he emerged as the starting center fielder as Jasson Dominguez's defense slipped and Cody Bellinger's versatility was emphasized. Then he was on track for a career year. Then he became one of the best players in the sport this season.

Even during parts of his hot streak this year, fans were reasoning with themselves and accepting the reality that the Yankees couldn't afford to pay both Grisham and Bellinger when the offseason arrives. How could they do that, especially with Dominguez on the roster and Spencer Jones ready for action in 2026?

The answer? They CAN do that. And all it'll take is the qualifying offer. It's both a sign of respect and a massive payday. It also gives the Yankees a chance to capitalize on his current run while providing Grisham the opportunity to get another excellent full season under his belt for a better shot at a long-term contract.

Yankees have perfect offseason Trent Grisham solution staring them in the face

The one-year, ~$20 million contract is a no-brainer. Let's say there aren't many teams interested in overpaying Grisham after just his second legitimate all-around good campaign when this offseason arrives. That's valid. Then the QO is an excellent fallback plan both in terms of setting (he's thrived in New York) and compensation. He'll make four times the highest amount he's made in a single season and can hit free agency after the 2026 campaign without any obstacles. Additionally, only Bellinger and George Springer would have higher salaries among center fielders, and Bellinger is more of an elite utility outfielder at this point.

As for the Yankees, on top of the short-term flexibility, it protects them from losing Grisham. They will receive draft pick compensation if he signs elsewhere with the qualifying offer attached to him. It allows them to see how their outfield situation shakes out with Dominguez and Jones (and Judge's worrisome elbow injury that still has him unable to play defense).

If the outfield depth chart starts to look grim, the Yankees can extend Grisham. If it's humming along and Aaron Boone has plenty of reps to go around, they can wait until the offseason to make a decision. Or they can clear some space at the trade deadline. The options will be aplenty.

Perhaps there's a team willing to pay Grisham. He'll be entering his age-29 season in 2026, so maybe teams will want to ensure they get that extra year of his prime when considering offers. If he departs for a hefty sum and it's one that makes it hard for the Yankees to match due to other financial commitments, nobody will be mad. Grisham will receive a hearty hat tip and the Yankees will simply have to make a more expedited decision with their 2026 outfield.

But why not run it back one more time if you can? Grisham has been integral to the Yankees' success this year. Without him, they might not be a playoff team. At the very least, they certainly aren't in the position they are right now.

Turns out that Juan Soto trade worked out in the Yankees' favor massively, after all.