Grisham finished 2025 with a career-high 87 runs scored, 74 RBIs, 229 total bases, and an OPS of .811, largely fueled by his power on a favorable right-field porch. Yet his defensive metrics suffered, recording a minus-11 in Defensive Runs Saved, the fourth-worst mark among center fielders with at least 1,000 innings, per FanGraphs.
The Yankees, who tied for the most wins in the American League with 94, still valued Grisham’s offensive contributions. Going forward, the club expects him to be the complete package in center, especially with prospects Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez pushing for playing time.
Grisham approached the offseason with a renewed focus on defense, not by overemphasizing it but by rekindling the mindset he had earlier in his career. He noted that he took the defensive lows personally and is looking to recapture the edge that defined his earlier success.
Injuries contributed to some on-field struggles in 2025, with a hamstring strain and an ankle issue affecting mobility. Grisham stressed that the primary objective remains helping the team win, and he believes improved defense is essential to reaching that goal.
He also highlighted a broader approach: maintaining a mental edge and performing at peak levels when called upon, including ongoing spring training where he has shown flashes of form, such as a diving catch in recent games. Grisham’s message is clear—winning baseball games is the path to maximizing his individual performance.
