StadiumPosts Logo
Stay upto date with notifications from Stadiumposts
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences

IT'S DONE: TRENT GRISHAM TAKES YANKEES' $22M OFFER, STUNS MLB WORLD

In a shocking move, Trent Grisham accepts the Yankees' 1-year, $22M qualifying offer after a career-best 34-HR season. This decision impacts NY's offseason flexibility, forcing roster adjustments despite defensive concerns.

It's Done: Trent Grisham Takes Yankees' $22M Offer, Stuns MLB World
rent Grisham Skips Free Agency, Accepts $22M To Stay In New York

By declining the qualifying offer, the New York Yankees hoped Trent Grisham would look for a multi-year contract elsewhere. Instead, he locked himself into a huge paycheck following the best offensive season of his career by shocking many in the league by taking the one-year, $22 million offer for 2026.

An unexpected choice with significant roster ramifications


Most leaguers anticipated that Grisham would try the open market. Teams in need of left-handed power were supposed to set up for him because there is a limited supply of centre fielders. Because of this, it was initially thought that he would turn down the QO and attempt to sign a three- or four-year contract, particularly after hitting 235/.348/.464 with 74 RBIs and 34 home runs throughout the previous season.

Not only were those figures the finest of his career, but they were almost twice as much power as he had ever produced. Grisham suddenly appeared to be a middle-of-the-order weapon, despite coming into the season as more of a defensive specialist with a streaky offensive line.

However, there was always a warning label attached to the negative aspects of that breakthrough season.

Complicating matters is Grisham's decrease in athletic ability.


The Yankees appreciated Grisham's agility and centre field defence for many years. However, in 2025, that aspect of his game quickly declined. He finished close to the bottom of all MLB centre fielders with a record of -2 outs over average and -11 defensive runs saved. He just did not cover ground as much as he used to; his first step was not as forceful, and his range decreased.

Because of this, analysts think he will eventually find a corner outfield position, which makes the $22 million price tag even more unappealing to a team trying to restructure its roster.

This offseason, the Yankees needed flexibility, and Grisham's choice takes a significant portion of that away. They now have a one-year luxury commitment to a player with actual volatility rather than reallocating that money to pitching, another infielder, or a high-end outfield target.

General manager Brian Cashman stated that if Grisham accepted the QO, he would be welcome back despite the disadvantages. The power, the energy, and the times when his bat carried them for extended periods were all adored by the squad. Their success in 2025 was greatly attributed to Grisham, and the Yankees also avoided any long-term danger by signing him to a one-year contract.

They know what they are getting in the near term: a left-handed slugger who can offer pop from the bottom half of the order, work counts, and draw walks. The Yankees gain if his hitting remains scorching. They are free for years if it regresses.

Although Grisham's acceptance restricts the Yankees' ability to be aggressive elsewhere, it does not alter their goals. Cody Bellinger is still wanted. Another outfielder is still needed. They probably need another starter as well as aid with the bullpen. However, they have now secured one of their largest offseason wagers.

Although the Yankees were ready for both possibilities, it is reasonable to question if $22 million would have been better used elsewhere. After a career year, Grisham is perfectly entitled to the guaranteed salary. The Yankees must now adjust their plans for the remainder of the offseason to accommodate that choice.

Can they use less flexibility than anticipated to create the lineup they had in mind? Their strategy for the upcoming months will be determined by that response.

G LEAGUE COACH REACTS TO LEBRON JAMES TRAINING DEBUT

LeBron James is targeting his season debut vs the Utah Jazz after practising with the South Bay Lakers and the main roster. The four-time MVP is set to return from a sciatica injury that sidelined him for the preseason and early games.

top-news
LeBron Prep For Season Debut

By joining the South Bay Lakers on the practice floor, LeBron James disrupted the Lakers' week and gave a G League team a unique opportunity to work out beside a future Hall of Famer. The four-time MVP appears to be nearing the end of his recuperation from a sciatica ailment that prevented him from participating in training camp, the preseason, and the early regular season, as seen by his quick workout before his anticipated return against the Utah Jazz.

The scene was best portrayed by South Bay head coach Zach Guthrie when he explained what the event meant to his players, according to Sports Illustrated. The sight of James in the G League gym sparked a wave of enthusiasm. Guthrie remarked, "First and foremost, what an opportunity for every one of us to be a part of it, to have the greatest player of all time attend your practice." He went on to say that there was an enthusiasm that few sessions ever provide because he was "a little part of his journey, his 23rd season, bringing him back to health and getting him back to playing where he should be playing with the Lakers."

James practised with the starting lineup for the first time this season on Monday, continuing his ramp-up. Tonight, the Lakers hope he overcomes the last obstacle.

South Bay Players Learned From LeBron's Preparation


Guthrie was aware of the basketball advantages of having James participate in practice, but he also emphasised the potential developmental value for young players to watch one of the best players hone his skills.

"What an incredible experience for all of our boys," Guthrie remarked. He instructed the players to observe James' style and learn from "the two days of practice." "Observe how he enters first. How he goes about it. How utterly locked in his head is. Fully dialled. Guthrie explained how everyone in the gym was amazed by James' emphasis on body care and how his pre- and post-practice work stood out.

As the season progresses, the Lakers anticipate that South Bay's team will be impacted by those behaviours. The objective remained straightforward for James. Before playing in the Lakers' first five-on-five game of the season, he wanted to develop his rhythm and test his back in controlled settings.

James focused on joining the Lakers, who are 10–4 and in fourth place in the Western Conference, after the South Bay stretch was over. He might return as early as tonight.

Dixon Burtland Burtland Dixon works for Heavy.com as a sports journalist, covering the NBA and athlete culture. He brings a special fusion of locker room knowledge and storytelling expertise as a former Division II player who is now a journalist. He has worked in digital journalism for over eight years. He was an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints before that, and he has had bylines at Buzznet, Trend Chaser, and Idolator. Burtland's headquarters are in New York and California.

TEVITA MAFILEO SIDELINED AFTER TRAINING KNOCK; ALL BLACKS CALL-UP REPLACEMENT NOW

All Blacks' final 2025 Test vs Wales sees George Dyer start after Tevita Mafileo's rib injury. Cory Jane praises Dyer's impressive tour. Devan Flanders and Christian Lio-Willie provide cover as the roster adapts for the Cardiff clash.

top-news
All Blacks Lose Mafileo To Training Injury - Photo: Photosport

Ahead of the All Blacks' final Test match of 2025 against Wales in Cardiff, there has been some movement in the roster.
Tevita Mafileo, an uncapped prop, will not play in the Cardiff match due to a rib fracture. George Dyer, a notable player for the All Blacks XV, will join the starting lineup as a result of Mafileo's injury.

When asked for a highlight from the 2025 tour last week, defence coach Cory Jane gave the 26-year-old extra kudos for his impressive performances in back-to-back All Blacks XV tours.

"I will simply mention one individual, and this will be a huge success right away. George Dyer is here. On Sport Nation, Jane replied, "He has been wonderful."

He is someone who works hard and wants to learn; judging by the number of questions he asks me about defence and various tackles and positions, it is good to hear that from a front-rower, buddy. We had him last year. He aspires to be good.

"So, he is one man who has really impressed me and been fantastic."

While the recently awarded World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nominee is recuperating from a sickness that prevented him from playing in the England defeat over the weekend, Dyer is joined by versatile forward Devan Flanders, who has entered the All Blacks as cover for Fabian Holland.

Lastly, Christian Lio-Willie will continue to play for the All Blacks as a stand-in for Luke Jacobson (injury) and Samipeni Finau (personal), who both returned home to New Zealand last week.

Premier League Standings

WhatsApp Read More News