The New York Yankees’ offseason is already off to an uneasy start—and this time, it’s not about pitching. Instead, it’s the Detroit Tigers who are reportedly preparing to make a serious push for one of New York’s most underrated contributors: outfielder Trent Grisham.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, Detroit has emerged as one of the top potential landing spots for the Yankees’ free agent, setting up an early test for general manager Brian Cashman and his plans to keep the team’s roster intact after another short postseason run.
Detroit’s Big Outfield Problem Could Lead to a Bronx Raid
The Tigers’ season ended with heartbreak in the ALDS, but their offseason priorities are already clear—find a reliable center fielder. After an inconsistent and injury-riddled campaign from Parker Meadows, Detroit’s front office appears ready to explore external options, and Grisham’s name is suddenly at the top of their wish list.
“Near the top of the to-do list might be getting a center fielder who appears in at least 60 percent of team games for what would be the first time since Anthony Gose in 2015,” Miller wrote. That stat alone tells the story of a franchise desperate for consistency up the middle, both defensively and offensively.
Grisham fits that bill. Though he spent most of his time in New York platooning and providing elite defense in the corners, the 28-year-old showed why he remains one of baseball’s most valuable two-way players. Across 143 games, Grisham slashed .235/.348/.464 with 34 home runs and 74 RBI—a breakout that turned him from a depth piece into a legitimate free-agent target.
Spotrac projects his market value around four years and $50 million, a price that’s reasonable for a player with his defensive pedigree and newfound pop. For the Tigers, that figure is not only manageable—it’s a potential bargain for a lineup that fell flat when it mattered most.
Yankees Face a Tough Decision on Grisham’s Future
For the Yankees, the thought of losing Grisham to an American League rival stings more than it might seem at first glance. He wasn’t the team’s headliner, but his athleticism, range, and left-handed bat gave New York the kind of flexibility it often lacked in 2025.
With the Yankees expected to prioritize rotation help and possible extensions for key stars, Detroit’s pursuit of Grisham could test the limits of Cashman’s offseason budget. The Yankees already project one of the league’s highest payrolls heading into 2026, and a multi-year offer from the Tigers might simply be too rich for a fourth outfielder—even one coming off a career year.
Detroit’s interest, however, makes perfect baseball sense. The Tigers blew a 15.5-game division lead before crashing out of the postseason, and the lack of reliable production in center field was one of their most glaring issues. Meadows played just 72 games and hit below .220, forcing manager A.J. Hinch to constantly juggle the lineup.
Grisham, durable and defensively elite, could give the Tigers a stabilizing presence—and perhaps the spark they need to finally break through in the AL Central.
For now, it’s only speculation, but as the hot stove heats up, New York may find itself watching one of its own get lured away by a team that’s hungry to contend.
The Tigers see Grisham as a perfect fit. The Yankees might soon see him as the one that got away.
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