Yankees Exploring Trades for Trent Grisham Amid Roster Questions

The New York Yankees are reportedly exploring the trade market for outfielder Trent Grisham as they look to reshape their roster ahead of the 2026 season. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the team miss the playoffs with an 84-78 record, General Manager Brian Cashman is said to be actively seeking upgrades, and moving Grisham could be the first step in a broader offseason strategy. Grisham, acquired as part of the blockbuster Juan Soto trade, provided elite defense but struggled to find consistency at the plate, making his future in pinstripes uncertain as the team evaluates its offensive needs.

Grisham’s tenure with the Yankees has been a mixed bag. His Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field was undeniable, providing stability and saving runs for a pitching staff that often needed it. However, his offensive output was a source of frustration for the team and its fans. In 2025, he posted a slash line of .215/.310/.380, numbers that fall short of the expectations for a starting position on a team with championship aspirations. With the Yankees' lineup already featuring several all-or-nothing power hitters, Grisham's inability to consistently get on base made him an awkward fit in the bottom third of the order.

The primary motivation for trading Grisham appears to be twofold: clearing a roster spot for a more offensively-oriented player and potentially acquiring pitching depth in return. The Yankees' rotation faced its own set of challenges in 2025, with ace Gerrit Cole showing signs of wear and the back end of the rotation suffering from inconsistency. Teams in need of a defensive upgrade in the outfield, such as the Colorado Rockies or Chicago White Sox, could view Grisham as a valuable asset, especially given that he is still under team control. A trade could bring back a mid-rotation starter or high-upside bullpen arms, addressing one of the Yankees' most pressing needs.

This potential move also raises questions about the future of the Yankees' outfield alignment. Superstar Aaron Judge is expected to remain in right field, but the other two spots are in flux. Top prospect Jasson Domínguez, who is working his way back from injury, is seen as the center fielder of the future, and his potential return could make Grisham expendable. Furthermore, the Yankees have been linked in rumors to several free-agent outfielders who could offer a significant offensive upgrade. Moving Grisham would create the flexibility needed to pursue one of those bigger bats.

While no deal is imminent, the smoke surrounding a Grisham trade is intensifying. His defensive prowess makes him an attractive piece for a number of clubs, but his offensive struggles have likely worn out his welcome in the Bronx. For the Yankees, this is a calculated move to rebalance their roster. The front office seems to have concluded that elite defense cannot compensate for a lack of production at the plate. As the offseason heats up, expect Trent Grisham’s name to remain prominent in trade discussions as Brian Cashman works to build a more complete and competitive team for 2026.