The New York Yankees have managed to remain one of Major League Baseball‘s better teams in 2026 despite injuries and inconsistent performances throughout the roster.
But one player in particular has become a growing concern, and recent comments from Aaron Boone aren’t exactly making Yankees fans feel better.
That player is Trent Grisham, who returned to New York this season after putting together a career year in 2025.
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Grisham hasn’t lived up to the contract
Grisham’s breakout 2025 season earned him a $22 million qualifying offer from the Yankees for 2026, but his performance this season has fallen well short of that level.
His offensive numbers have declined across the board, and injuries have also limited his availability. However, the biggest concern might actually be what has happened defensively.
Grisham has traditionally been viewed as a strong defensive center fielder, but something clearly hasn’t looked right in 2026. His range appears diminished, and he’s struggled to get to balls that he previously would have tracked down.
For a Yankees team trying to win a championship, giving away extra outs in center field is a major problem.
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Boone’s confidence raises eyebrows
That’s why Boone’s comments this week were particularly concerning.
The Yankees manager expressed a lot of confidence in Grisham’s defense in the interview, a statement that immediately caught the attention of Yankees fans.
At this point, many New York fans have developed a reputation for being able to read between the lines when it comes to Boone’s comments. And considering what they’ve watched from Grisham in center field, hearing that the manager remains confident in his defense isn’t exactly reassuring.
There is a simple solution. Move Grisham out of center field. Right now, the Yankees should consider putting Spencer Jones in center. Once Cody Bellinger returns, he can take over the position.
Grisham can still contribute, particularly in a corner outfield role, but the Yankees can’t afford to continue sacrificing defense in center field.
If the goal is to win in October, this is a problem New York needs to address before it becomes an even bigger one.
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