As the New York Yankees prepare for their upcoming three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays starting Friday, they’re getting a big boost with the return of outfielder Trent Grisham.
Grisham, who had been on paternity leave earlier this week, made his return on Thursday and wasted no time showing he’s locked in.
Is Grisham Making a Case for a Full-Time Role?
At 28 years old, Trent Grisham is turning heads with his performance this season. Over 20 games, he’s slashing an impressive .320/.393/.700, tallying six home runs, 13 RBIs, a 19.6% strikeout rate, and an 8.9% walk rate.
That kind of output translates to a 215 wRC+, meaning he’s performing 115% better than the average MLB hitter—an elite level by any standard.
He also ranks in the 94th percentile for both expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) and expected slugging percentage (xSLG). With a 51.3% hard-hit rate and a career-high average launch angle of 21.8°, Grisham’s swing adjustments, especially his more open stance, seem to be paying dividends—allowing him to drive the ball with authority, particularly to right field.
Elite Defense and a Bat Too Good to Sit
Grisham’s contributions aren’t limited to the batter’s box. He’s been just as reliable defensively, holding a perfect fielding percentage and recording one defensive run saved over 131 innings. His performance continues to affirm why he’s a Gold Glove-caliber player.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has already begun making adjustments to keep Grisham in the mix, using him in center field while giving Aaron Judge rest days as the designated hitter.
As Grisham stays hot, the Yankees may need to rethink their outfield rotation to fully capitalize on his impact.
