Grisham gets qualifying offer from Yanks after career-best season
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NEW YORK – After a season in which Trent Grisham established several statistical career highs, the outfielder is positioned to cash in this winter.
Grisham will now have a decision to make after receiving a qualifying offer from the Yankees on Thursday, a one-year contract valued at $22.025 million.
Grisham, 29, was the only Yankee to receive the offer, which represents a significant raise over his $5 million salary this past season. He has until 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 18 to decide whether to accept it or test free agency in search of a multiyear deal.
If Grisham declines and signs elsewhere, the Yankees would receive a compensation pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.
At present, the Bombers’ outfield projects to include Aaron Judge, Jasson Domínguez and possibly No. 4 prospect Spencer Jones.
Grisham slashed .235/.348/.464 in 143 games this past season, setting career highs in hits (116), runs (87), homers (34), RBIs (74), slugging percentage, OPS (.812) and walks (82).
“I think consistent at-bats help any player,” Grisham said during the season. “I would put most of it to the mental work that I’ve put in.”
Acquired from the Padres as part of the December 2023 trade that fitted Juan Soto for pinstripes, Grisham hit .190 over 76 games for New York in 2024.
A National League Gold Glove Award winner in 2020 and ’22, Grisham is a career .218 hitter in 766 games for the Brewers (2019), Padres ('20-23) and Yankees ('24-25).
The Yankees believe Grisham’s 2025 performance is sustainable, as evidenced by Thursday’s offer.
“Everyone’s trajectory is not like this,” manager Aaron Boone said during the season, tracing an imaginary line from low to high. “It’s a hard game. Hitting in the big leagues is hard. There’s countless examples of guys finding themselves, really figuring it out a little bit -- especially offensively -- as their career unfolds.”
Additionally, the Yankees added right-hander Kervin Castro to the 40-man roster.
The 26-year-old Castro has made 20 career Major League relief appearances over parts of two seasons with the Giants (2021-22) and Cubs ('22), going 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA. He pitched last season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, going 5-1 with four saves and a 1.53 ERA in 35 games.