Why Trent Grisham will decline Yankees' qualifying offer, sign elsewhere

In his first season with the New York Yankees in 2024, Trent Grisham had just a .675 OPS in 76 games as a part-time outfielder. The 29-year-old was included in the trade that sent Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres to the Yankees, and manager Aaron Boone used him sparingly. 

In 2025, Grisham put together the best offensive season of his career, hitting a career high 34 home runs with a .811 OPS as the Yankees' primary leadoff hitter. After a spectacular second season in the Bronx, the center fielder has a decision to make. 

The Yankees extended Grisham a one-year, $22.05 million qualifying offer that he has until 4 p.m. ET on November 18 to ponder. If he accepts, he will be back with the Yankees next season. If the former Milwaukee Brewers prospect declines, he is free to sign with any team. 

Grisham's exceptional season with the bat should incentivize him to decline the Yankees' qualifying offer and seek a long-term contract. In all likelihood, he will not make more than $22.05 million per year, but he might prefer stability and to find his next home. 

Grisham could help bulk up the Astros' lineup

The Houston Astros could use another left-handed bat in their lineup, and Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly sees a fit with Grisham. 

"The Astros could plug Grisham into center field, giving them some stability at that position and another left-handed bat in a lineup that's thin in that regard outside of Yordan Álvarez," Kelly wrote. 

Jake Meyers manned center field for the Astros this past season, hitting a respectable .292/.354/.373 with a .727 OPS but just three home runs in 104 contests. 

Kelly listed several other teams that could use Grisham's services, including the Yankees' cross-town rivals, the New York Mets. Grisham could return to the Yankees next year, but his role with the team is in question if they sign Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker.