The New York Yankees are thrust into the center of the MLB offseason drama with a calculated but aggressive move: Trent Grisham (the current piece) has officially accepted the one-year, $22.05 million Qualifying Offer (QO), yet the Yankees remain “all-in” on pursuing the massive long-term contract for Cody Bellinger (the long-term target).1
This dual-track determination, confirmed by multiple sources, shows that General Manager Brian Cashman is prioritizing flexibility and a potential All-Star-caliber outfield of Judge, Bellinger, and Grisham for the 2026 season.
The Grisham Acceptance: A Shocking Win
Grisham’s acceptance of the QO was a minor surprise to the league, largely due to his inconsistent past performance. However, his strong 2025 season made the one-year guarantee an attractive option:
| Trent Grisham’s 2025 Yankees Season | Statistic | Context |
| Qualifying Offer Value | $22.05 Million | The highest-ever single-season contract for Grisham. |
| Home Runs | 34 HR | A career-high and second only to Aaron Judge on the team. |
| OPS | $.811 \text{ OPS}$ | His best full-season output, with a 125 OPS+. |
| WAR | $3.5 \text{ WAR}$ | Solid value, making him a critical part of the 2025 lineup. |
By accepting, Grisham stabilizes center field for 2026 and saves the Yankees from having to surrender a draft pick, providing a low-risk, high-reward outcome for New York.
The Bellinger Priority: “At Any Cost”
Despite the certainty provided by Grisham’s return, multiple sources, including GM Brian Cashman, confirm that Cody Bellinger remains the Yankees’ top priority.2 Bellinger is an unrestricted free agent after declining his $25 million player option (Source 1.1, 4.2).
- The Fit: Bellinger is beloved by the Yankees organization for his versatility (playing all three outfield spots and first base), his strong left-handed bat (29 HR, 98 RBI in 2025), and his comfort in New York (Source 1.1, 4.2).4
- The Cost: His projected market value is a multi-year deal north of $150 million, with some insiders projecting a contract of 6 years, $182.6 million (Source 1.1, 4.2).5
- The New Outfield: If the Yankees succeed in re-signing Bellinger, the 2026 outfield would boast Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, and Trent Grisham—a significant upgrade in star power and depth that could compete with any outfield in the American League.
The League Debate: Payroll vs. Talent
The league-wide debate centers on the Yankees’ willingness to blow past the luxury tax thresholds to accommodate both players.
| Position | Player | 2026 Salary (AAV) | Payroll Ramification |
| Center Field | Trent Grisham | $22.05M (QO) | Guaranteed cost added to the books. |
| Left Field/1B | Cody Bellinger | $\approx \$30M \text{ AAV}$ (Projected) | Would push the Yankees deep into the luxury tax, potentially crossing the $300M threshold. |
The Yankees’ stance—retaining a strong, costly piece in Grisham while aggressively pursuing an even more expensive, long-term star in Bellinger—signals an uncompromising commitment to winning the 2026 World Series, regardless of the financial cost.
The Yankees are now fully engaged in the pursuit of Bellinger. Would you like to know which other teams are the biggest threats in the bidding war for Bellinger?
