The New York Yankees find themselves in a fortunate position with Cody Bellinger dealing with a minor back issue. While Bellinger recovers, his absence hasn’t hindered the team’s performance. That’s largely due to Trent Grisham, the so-called fourth outfielder, who has stepped up and played an instrumental role in the team’s success.
Grisham has been on fire, slashing an impressive .471/.571/1.059 through six games with three home runs, seven RBIs, and a 336 wRC+. His production isn’t just from good luck; he’s hitting the ball hard, working counts, and looking completely comfortable in his backup role.
It’s rare to have a Gold Glove centerfielder as a backup, but the Yankees clearly recognized Grisham’s value. Instead of cutting him to save money or trading him away, general manager Brian Cashman wisely retained him on a one-year, $5 million deal. That decision is paying off handsomely.
With Grisham playing so well, the Yankees don’t feel the need to rush Bellinger’s return. Back injuries can be tricky, and with Bellinger’s long-term importance to the lineup, it’s better to let him rest fully. Grisham can continue getting regular at-bats, providing elite defense and surprising offensive power. This depth is giving the Yankees a significant edge over other teams.
As long as Grisham stays hot, the Yankees can ease Bellinger back into action and even rotate both players depending on matchups or rest needs. With Grisham performing at this level, it’s more than just a temporary fill-in—it’s a competition, and the Yankees are thriving because of it.
