Trent Grisham’s comeback won’t stop the Yankees from pursuing Cody Bellinger.

Yankees General Manager Discusses Trent Grisham’s Contract

Brian Cashman revealed that before Trent Grisham accepted his qualifying offer, he almost doubled it just two days later.

While the Yankees have limitations on acquiring free agents like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Juan Soto, bringing Grisham back for $22,025,000 doesn’t affect their pursuit of Cody Bellinger.

“We have a salary target, and we’re aiming for it,” Cashman mentioned on Thursday night during the Covenant House Sleep Out at the Javits Center, an event he’s attended for the fourteenth time to raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness.

He added, “It’s not set in stone yet. We’ve been pushing hard, but it feels like we make little progress. The market is shifting in unexpected ways, whether it’s with Yamamoto or Soto. So free agency remains unpredictable. That’s why it’s crucial for GMs like me to reach out and make connections.”

Cashman also spoke with agent Casey Crouse on Thursday about various clients, including standout free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and pitcher Michael King.

Previously, he had a conversation with Scott Boras regarding Bellinger and Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai.

With Grisham’s higher salary—up from this year’s $5 million—the Yankees are now projected to hit a luxury tax salary of $281 million by 2026, although Hal Steinbrenner has called a $300 million salary “unsustainable.”

Nonetheless, Cashman asserted that there’s still financial flexibility to address needs this offseason.

“I won’t disclose specifics on how we’re prioritizing players…but Bellinger is definitely in the mix. We’re considering our options,” he stated. Grisham’s acceptance of the qualifying offer was somewhat unexpected, as Cashman was “50-50” on whether it would actually happen.

Cashman considers Grisham the “third-best outfielder” in a limited market but recognizes that they’ll likely have to address center field after signing Tucker and Bellinger, which could be a risky strategy.

“I’m pleased he accepted the offer; it’s a vital position,” Cashman remarked. “With players like Aaron Judge and Grisham, we’re establishing a competitive lineup with Dominguez and Jones. Yet, I also have to factor in Tucker and other potential deals.”

Bringing Grisham back at a higher average annual value might be a gamble, especially considering he just had a breakout season in 2025 following three years of subpar performance.

However, Cashman believes what Grisham achieved this past year—34 home runs and an .811 OPS—can be maintained.

“All indicators suggest that the improvements Grisham made are legitimate,” Cashman stated. “And since he succeeded here, that’s reassuring. If he were to perform similarly in a different environment, it might not carry the same weight; we’re navigating the unique expectations of New York.”