As the New York Yankees gear up for a crucial September stretch, the performance of outfielder Trent Grisham has become a focal point of concern. The Yankees made a bold move last winter by extending a $22 million qualifying offer to Grisham, but the results have not lived up to expectations. Currently, he is statistically the worst center fielder in Major League Baseball, as indicated by his Outs Above Average (OAA) metrics, and he has also been the slowest player at his position.
Grisham's struggles have been particularly pronounced over the past few months. While he had a wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) of 128 last season, this year has seen a dramatic drop of 30 points, placing him below the league average for hitters. With every run becoming increasingly critical for the Yankees as they fight for postseason positioning, questions are arising about whether Grisham is the right player to rely on during this pivotal time.
In contrast, rookie Spencer Jones has begun to find his footing in the majors, boasting a wRC+ of 105. This week’s series against the Los Angeles Angels holds special significance for Jones, as he was originally drafted by the Angels before solidifying his skills at Vanderbilt University. Drafted in the 31st round in 2019, he was initially viewed by the Angels as a potential two-way player. However, his collegiate career helped shape him into the power hitter he is today, and the Yankees are hopeful that he can contribute significantly down the stretch.
Adding to the Yankees' outfield situation is the potential return of team captain Aaron Judge. Reports indicate that Judge might skip a rehab assignment and could be back in the lineup as early as next week. Given Judge's status as a three-time MVP, his presence would be a significant boost for the Yankees. Even at 75-80% of his full capabilities, Judge is likely to outperform many of his teammates, including Grisham, making his return even more crucial.
On the pitching front, the Yankees are also making strategic adjustments. Max Fried is expected to return from injury, and in a calculated move, Will Warren will likely serve as a piggyback option for Fried in their upcoming game against the San Diego Padres. This innovative pitching strategy has been gaining traction in the league, and following Warren's impressive performance against the Boston Red Sox, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this combination will work.
Additionally, the Yankees have made some roster decisions regarding their bullpen. Justin Topa, who was recently added to the team, will remain with the organization but will not be among the September call-ups. Instead, the Yankees plan to activate former Royals reliever John Schreiber and the previously injured Ryan McMahon. Topa will continue to develop at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
As the Yankees navigate these challenges and opportunities, the performance of players like Grisham will be critical. With the postseason looming, the team must address these issues swiftly to enhance their chances of making a successful playoff run.
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