"Cheap alternative to Cody Bellinger"; "Blessing in disguise" - Fans divided as Yankees reportedly expect Trent Grisham to decline qualifying offer

The New York Yankees unexpectedly extended a one-year qualifying offer to Trent Grisham worth $22.025 million. Fans were surprised by this move of GM Brian Cashman, as several of them don't see the ageing outfielder doing well in the future.

In the meantime, The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that the club is not expecting Grisham to sign the qualifying offer. If that were to happen, the Yankees would be entitled to receive a draft-pick compensation, assuming the outfielder signs elsewhere in free agency.

The news has fans feeling relaxed, as most of them don't want the outfielder to re-sign with the Yankees and instead want the club to sign free-agent outfielders Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker to a long-term deal.

"Thank God. With our luck, Cashman will sign him 4/$100M as a cheap alternative to Tucker/Bellinger," one fan wrote.

"This is a BLESSING in disguise," another fan added.

Some fans questioned if Grisham's solid year at the plate warrants a $22 million salary.

"Career year, he’s gotta go for the big payday. He really stepped up big this year though but isn’t the ideal fit right now at that cost with the moves they’re trying to make," another fan commented.

"He played extremely well but I don't think he's worth 22m long term. This year will prove to have been an anomaly," one fan wrote.

"That’s a lot of money for him too. I hope he rejects it. They could probably spend that money more wisely," one fan posted.

"I think Grisham is wrong. He's in love with his 35HR and forgets that he's not that good otherwise," another fan pointed out. "Muncy is making only $10M next year. Not saying Grisham isn't better (35HR regular season vs 19, for example, although Muncy had more time lost to injuries), but $22M??"

"He just had a career year. Gotta let him go unfortunately. Whoever signs him will overpay," one fan wrote.

Trent Grisham had a solid year but his declining defense doesn't help

Trent Grisham surely had a breakout season when it comes to power, but in other departments, the outfielder was below average.

Grisham, who was dealt to the Yankees by the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto trade, posted career-best power numbers in 2025, hitting 34 home runs and driving in 74 runs. His Barrel rate was 14.2%, and his average exit velocity was 91.1 mph, which was an improvement in comparison to the season prior.

Grisham reportedly had a negative DRS value. This is not par for someone to get continuous nods in starting positions.

It remains to be seen if Grisham risks free agency and declines the $22 million qualifying offer.