Trent Grisham’s Rising Star in NYC
Initially, there was some talk of Trent Grisham being included in Juan Soto’s trade deal. But now, Judge Aaron believes Grisham deserves more recognition.
“I think he’s the one who should be in the All-Star Game, especially considering the season he’s having,” the judge mentioned recently. “He’s a major factor in our success.” Grisham, 28, is beginning to craft what could be a standout year. As of Friday, he boasted a batting average of .283 and a .996 OPS, with 12 home runs — just one behind Julio Rodriguez, who had taken the lead.
His home runs, OPS, and WRC+ (178) are currently the highest among American League center fielders with at least 100 plate appearances. Grisham’s 1.4 fWAR ranked him second, just behind Byron Buxton.
“It’s impressive,” the judge said. “I think Trent always envisioned this for himself. Being a first-round pick, he was traded from Milwaukee to San Diego and ultimately to us. It’s been fun to watch, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Grisham faced challenges during his initial season in the Bronx, adapting to a less regular playing time than he was used to. However, he seized the opportunity partly due to Soto’s move to the Mets, thus consistently performing well while showcasing his sharp defensive skills.
“He’s in a great spot,” manager Aaron Boone noted. “It’s a testament to his talent, preparation, and where he is in his journey. He seems to be very focused and aware of his plans, which shows a level of maturity.” Boone also remarked that career paths can vary widely; some players take off quickly, while others find their stride later.
Boone was initially hesitant to use Luke Weaver on Wednesday after he pitched two innings the day before. Yet, given Weaver’s efficiency on Tuesday, Boone decided to deploy him as a closer in the series finale against the Mariners. The result? Weaver delivered one of his best performances of the season, striking out batters with an average fastball of 95.6 mph, up from his usual 94.1.
“This has been his best stretch,” Boone remarked. “His ERA of 0.45 over 17 games shows how dominant he can be.” Boone chuckled when discussing the kind of reception Soto might receive. “It’ll be interesting,” he said. “This is the Bronx, after all.”
