Sorting out which free-agent outfielders to retain is shaping up to be the biggest offseason challenge for the New York Yankees.
Aaron Judge is a lock to stay, while youngsters Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones bring plenty of intrigue but no guaranteed everyday role yet. That leaves the Yankees with a decision: should they prioritize keeping Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, or attempt to retain both?
Bellinger has the stronger résumé and is currently producing at a higher level by WAR, but Grisham has broken through with his first 30-homer season and continues to draw praise for his defense in center.
The general consensus is that New York will only keep one, and on Tuesday, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter projected Bellinger as the likelier option. He went on to predict Grisham would head to the Texas Rangers, a team well-positioned to rival the Yankees in the American League next year.
Reuter noted that Joc Pederson is almost certain to exercise his $18.5 million option, limiting Texas’s options to add offense. In his scenario, the Rangers could platoon Pederson and Jake Burger at DH, move on from Adolis García, and bring in Grisham.
While García is under club control through arbitration for another season, a non-tender would clear payroll and open the door for Grisham.
From New York’s side, extending Grisham a qualifying offer and pocketing a draft pick if he leaves would be the simplest outcome.
