What the Yankees could get if they cash in on Trent Grisham now

Apr 5, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham (12) circles the bases after hitting a three run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Outside of Aaron Judge, no member of the New York Yankees has meant more to Aaron Boone’s squad than Trent Grisham this season. That could make it the opportune time for GM Brian Cashman to sell high on the veteran outfielder to reinforce one of his roster’s weak spot.

Admittedly, the chances of the Yankees parting ways with Grisham anytime soon are remote. Another team would need to bowl New York over with a sizable trade offer to get a deal done. At worst, Grisham gives the team a high-quality defensive outfielder to spell the likes of Jasson Dominguez and Judge. If he keeps hitting the ball as he’s done over the first few weeks of the season, he’s going to play triple-digit games for the club.

Grisham is inevitably going to cool off at the plate. He’s already hit three home runs on the young season in just 29 at-bats. It’s also a safe bet that he’s not going to keep his batting average at .379 for the full campaign.

How much he’ll cool off remains the relevant question. If the Yankees think his hitting is going to fall off a cliff, they’d be wise to try to sell him off at the peak of his value. Here are three roster holes New York should try to fill if they’re willing to part with the hot-hitting outfielder.

1. A starting pitcher who can eat innings

The Yankees starting rotation has been beset by injuries in the early going. Gerrit Cole missing the full season is a hammer blow to the roster. Luis Gil likely won’t return to the mound until after the All-Star break. The relative good news is that Clarke Schmidt should be ready to rejoin Boone’s rotation sometime next week.

None of that alters the stark truth that the Yankees’ starting rotation has not notched a quality start yet this season. That’s heaped enormous pressure on the team’s bullpen to bail the team out on a game-by-game basis. The team does have quality bullpen depth, but there’s a limit to how much they can be stressed.

That’s why flipping Grisham for an average starting pitcher capable of soaking up 150+ innings this season could be so valuable for the Yankees. That might not seem like a needle-moving transaction for a team with World Series aspirations, but it could give the pitching staff a much more solid platform to build on.

The challenge here for Cashman and his staff would be identifying a pitcher whose salary does not greatly exceed the $5 million Grisham is making this season. The Yankees will likely balk at the idea of adding payroll for anyone who does not possess star potential.

2. A starting third baseman

Oswaldo Cabrera has been adequate, but uninspiring, as the Yankees’ starting third baseman to date. No rational fan should expect DJ LeMahieu to be anything more if/when he returns to the diamond.

Grisham isn’t good enough to net the Yankees a star at the hot corner, but he could be combined with a prospect to facilitate that kind of return. Money could also be an issue for the Yankees in this kind of deal.

The most prominent third baseman on the theoretical trade market is still Nolan Arenado. The Cardinals could see Grisham as a nice boost of immediate value if they’re going to give up on the former All-Star infielder.

The more likely path forward here is for the Yankees to flip Grisham for a young player with more upside at third than Cabrera. That’s still a tough needle for Cashman and company to thread.

3. Another bullpen arm

If adding a starting pitcher proves too expensive, the Yankees could pivot to doubling down on their bullpen depth. Flipping Grisham for an above-average middle reliever feels like a deal that could get done ahead of the trade deadline.

This is a spot where the Yankees could conceivably trim a little payroll. If the Yankees can turn Grisham into a reliable bullpen arm with multiple innings of team control, they’d have to pull the trigger. Those arms don’t grow on trees, and the Yankees understand their value.

Will the Yankees trade Trent Grisham?

The odds are stacked against the Yankees offloading Grisham, even if they get a good offer. He’s an integral part of the squad, and they need the insurance of a good fourth outfielder to guard against injury.

The one thing that could change the team’s calculus is falling out of AL East contention early in the campaign. If that happens, Cashman should move quickly to sell off any veteran that does not possess star potential. Grisham is just a role player. That’s why he could move if his team falls out of the race for a postseason berth.

Related Posts

QUEENS PRESSURE COOKER: With $341M on his shoulders and the city waiting to pounce, Francisco Lindor doesn’t complain, doesn’t deflect — he leans into the fire, smiles through the noise, and answers critics in the one way New York never expects: by embracing the weight that crushes other stars. This isn’t damage control — it’s a declaration. In a town where pressure breaks legends, Lindor is daring it to try..ll

In the high-stakes world of professional sports, few contracts carry the weight of expectation like the $341 million deal signed by Francisco Lindor with the New York Mets. This massive commitment, announced in 2021, not only redefined the financial landscape for shortstops but also thrust Lindor into the spotlight of one of the most demanding markets in baseball. New York City, with its relentless media scrutiny and passionate fanbase, has historically tested the mettle of its athletes. From legendary figures like Derek Jeter to controversial stars such as Alex Rodriguez, the city has seen its share of triumphs and tribulations under the glare of public pressure. Yet, as Lindor navigates this $341 million contract, his approach stands out, offering a fresh perspective on how to handle the immense pressure on athletes in the Big Apple.

BILLION-DOLLAR BET… OR BRUTAL FACEPLANT? Pete Alonso swaggered past a $158M offer like he was the next $300M superstar — but suddenly phones aren’t ringing, and front offices are whispering the one line every slugger fears: “Nobody wants to pay for him.” Now the Polar Bear isn’t staring at a mega-deal… he’s staring down a cold reality, a shrinking market, and the possibility he misread his own value at the worst time imaginable..ll

In the competitive world of Major League Baseball (MLB), where player contracts can define careers and legacies, Pete Alonso has found himself in a precarious position. The New York Mets slugger, known for his powerful home runs and consistent performance, turned down a lucrative seven-year contract worth $158 million. Now, as the offseason drags on, the harsh reality is setting in: nobody wants to pay for him. This situation highlights the volatile nature of baseball player salaries and the risks involved in contract negotiations. Let’s delve deeper into Pete Alonso’s journey, the details of the rejected deal, and what this means for his future in the league.

QUEENS WAR CHEST UNLOCKED: Rumors swirl louder than a 7-train rush — Mets plotting to drop a jaw-cracking bag on a $185M ace, signaling a full-throttle arms race in Flushing. Front-office whispers say this isn’t just spending… it’s a statement, a power play aimed straight at October glory. And if this deal hits, the NL might feel the shockwave before the ink even dries…ll

The New York Mets know they need to bolster their starting rotation ahead of next season. A lack of quality starting options was the biggest reason the…

QUEENS TREMOR ERUPTS: Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz hit the opt-out button and suddenly Citi Field feels like it’s shaking, two franchise pillars choosing uncertainty over comfort in a move that stunned the baseball world. Whispers swirl that loyalty just turned into leverage, and a new bidding war could crack open faster than the 7-line clears after a blown save. Now Mets Nation holds its breath — because when stars walk away at once, it’s not a shuffle… it’s a seismic shift in Queens…ll

In a major shake-up for the New York Mets’ offseason plans, first baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz have both chosen to opt out of their contracts and become free agents, leaving the organization without two of its most prominent players entering 2026.

PINSTRIPE REALITY CHECK IGNITES: Mariners fans erupted after Cal Raleigh’s latest hardware, but baseball’s true MVP standard doesn’t bend for one hot moment — not when Aaron Judge still owns pressure, presence, and the pulse of October. Raleigh might be a spark right now, sure, but Judge is the supernova who shifts stadium gravity, flips games on command, and carries a franchise like it’s stitched into his DNA. In the arena where legends breathe fire and championships are forged, there’s only one giant in pinstripes…ll

Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) celebrates in the dugout after scoring against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning during game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

PINSTRIPE POWER MOVE LOOMING: A Bronx superstar hits the opt-out button and suddenly the baseball world freezes, whispers swirling about a monster 6-year, $175M bag waiting on the table. Now the front office sits on edge, knowing one wrong move could flip a franchise and rewrite a rivalry overnight. And insiders swear this saga is only heating up — because the next signature could shake the entire AL to its core…ll

There are few words to describe the heartbreak that is settling over the Toronto Blue Jays.