The New York Yankees have secured outfielder Trent Grisham on a one-year, $5 million deal, avoiding arbitration, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. The contract includes performance incentives, allowing Grisham to earn an additional $250,000 based on plate appearance milestones.

Grisham, 27, joined the Yankees in December 2023 as part of a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres that also brought Juan Soto to the Bronx. During his first season in pinstripes, Grisham primarily served as a defensive asset, known for his two Gold Glove Awards earned with San Diego. Offensively, he contributed a .190 batting average, nine home runs, 31 RBIs, and a .675 OPS over 209 plate appearances. Despite being included on the postseason roster during the Yankees’ American League championship run, Grisham did not see action in the playoffs.

Before landing in the Bronx, he had a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the San Diego Padres. His continued stay in the Bronx may not augur well for Alex Verdugo, who commanded a $8.7 million salary in 2024. The New York Yankees may be viewing him as a cheaper alternative to Verdugo and a backup for Jasson Dominguez, who is likely to start in the center field in the 2025 season.

Heading into the 2025 season, Grisham is expected to continue his role as a depth outfielder and defensive specialist, regardless of the Yankees’ ongoing efforts to re-sign Soto. According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Monday’s meeting between the Yankees and Soto went positively, with reports of strengthened mutual interest following a persuasive presentation by team owner Hal Steinbrenner.

Grisham’s signing solidifies part of the Yankees’ outfield structure, but the organization remains focused on its primary objective: bringing Soto back to solidify a championship-caliber roster.

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