The New York Yankees could lose center fielder Trent Grisham to American League East rival Baltimore this offseason, according to one projection that ranks the Orioles among potential landing spots for the free agent.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report placed Baltimore seventh in a ranking of 10 possible destinations for the 29-year-old outfielder as free agency approaches.
“Disappointing seasons from Dylan Beavers (104 G, 93 OPS+, -0.5 WAR) and Tyler O’Neill (85 G, 92 OPS+, 0.5 WAR) give the Orioles plenty of room to potentially upgrade alongside Colton Cowser in the outfield,” Reuter wrote.
“The question is how far down the shopping list that will be when pitching is the clear No. 1 priority.”
Grisham’s production dipped after he accepted a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer from New York following a strong 2025 campaign.
He hit .211 with a .308 on-base percentage and .395 slugging percentage for a .703 OPS in 121 games this season, collecting 18 home runs, 19 doubles, two triples and 59 RBIs.
That marked a clear step back from 2025, when he batted .235/.348/.464 with an .812 OPS and 34 home runs across 143 games, along with nine doubles, one triple and 74 RBIs.
The Yankees’ outfield looks crowded heading into 2027, with Aaron Judge locked into right field, Cody Bellinger under contract and prospect Spencer Jones emerging as a candidate for regular playing time.
Grisham’s defensive metrics also declined in 2026, which could factor into New York’s decision to let him walk rather than pursue a multi-year deal at a similar annual value.
Baltimore finished the regular season at 79-82, fourth in the AL East and well short of postseason contention. The Orioles trailed the division-winning Tampa Bay Rays (98-64), the Yankees (93-68) and the Boston Red Sox (87-75), while finishing one game ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays (79-83).
President of baseball operations Mike Elias addressed the need for upgrades after the season ended.
“I think we need to make the team better. I thought we put together a really good team this year. A lot of people did, externally. We’ve just come short of the wins and losses and the projections that everybody had. And there’s been a lot of factors in that. But the bottom line is we need to put together a better team next year,” Elias said.
New York’s own season concluded with a three-game ALDS sweep at the hands of the Rays after a 93-68 regular-season mark that secured a wild-card berth.
Losing Grisham would remove a left-handed bat who provided 18 home runs and solid on-base skills even in a down year, but it could also free payroll flexibility as the Yankees evaluate other free-agent options or internal promotions.
Reuter’s list ranks the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners ahead of Baltimore as the top projected fits, based on roster needs and market dynamics.
Grisham turns 30 in November and brings a career .217 average with 122 home runs across 887 games, including two Gold Glove awards earlier in his career with San Diego. Any deal with Baltimore would strengthen a division rival that has already invested heavily in free agency in recent years, including a large contract for first baseman Pete Alonso.
The Yankees have not indicated public interest in a reunion, leaving the door open for Grisham to change teams within the AL East.
