Aaron Judge claimed his second American League MVP award in 2024, becoming the third active New York Yankees captain to achieve the honor, alongside Thurman Munson and Lou Gehrig. His unanimous MVP selection, a feat only Mickey Mantle previously achieved, underscored his dominance.
Besides Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees are pursuing free agent Juan Soto who is demanding colossal money as a generational star. That being said, the Yanks’ outfield depth is still incomplete. Hence, to address that key area, the franchise agreed to arbitration with an outfielder who played as backup choice in 2024 season.
Yankees Avoid Arbitration With Trent Grisham
The New York Yankees and outfielder Trent Grisham have reached an agreement to avoid arbitration, settling on a one-year deal worth $5 million. This deal also includes an additional $250,000 in performance bonuses tied to plate appearances. The agreement reflects the Yanks’ confidence in Grisham’s potential to contribute further despite a challenging first season in pinstripes. Grisham joined the Yanks in 2024 after a stint with the San Diego Padres. Through 76 games last season, he posted a .190 batting average, hit nine home runs, and drove in 31 runs. His OPS of .765, however, indicated moments of impactful hitting, showcasing the potential for improvement in the coming season. Although his offensive numbers were modest, Grisham’s defensive capabilities in center field were crucial for the team.
His agility and fielding helped solidify New York’s outfield, particularly during critical stretches of their 2024 campaign. The New York Yankees finished with the best record in the American League East and advanced to the World Series, marking a strong season for the franchise despite falling short of the title. With Grisham re-signed and Judge leading the team, the Bronx Bombers are poised to build on their success. The front office remains active in pursuing free agents and potential trades, most notably working to retain Juan Soto. Soto’s return could significantly bolster the Yankees’ chances of returning to the World Series in 2025. As New York strengthens its roster, Grisham’s development and the team’s strategic moves will be pivotal for their ambitions in the upcoming season. However, the ultimate void will be filled by Juan Soto if Hal Steinbrenner and co indeed manage to sign him for a record deal.
Jon Berti, Tim Mayza Non-Tendered
The New York Yankees made key roster decisions on Friday, non-tendering infielder Jon Berti and left-handed reliever Tim Mayza before the deadline. Berti’s brief tenure with the Yanks began last spring when he was acquired from the Miami Marlins in a three-team trade after DJ LeMahieu’s injury. Unfortunately, injuries limited Berti’s impact, as he appeared in just 25 regular-season games.
Despite this, Berti started three postseason games at first base, filling in for Anthony Rizzo, who was sidelined with fractured fingers during the Yankees’ playoff run. Tim Mayza, another midseason acquisition, was signed in July after being released by the Toronto Blue Jays. The southpaw provided bullpen depth and appeared in three playoff games for the Yankees, offering reliable innings during critical postseason moments.
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