Trent Grisham – New York Yankees Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Trent Grisham has built a solid MLB career as a defensive specialist with flashes of offensive upside. The former first-round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers (15th overall in 2015) is best known for his outstanding outfield play, especially in center field. Grisham recently agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with the New York Yankees for the 2025 season, avoiding arbitration after his trade from the San Diego Padres.

Grisham’s path through professional baseball has featured defensive excellence, including a Gold Glove award, though his bat has been pretty up-and-down over the years. Born November 1, 1996, in Burleson, Texas, the outfielder nicknamed “Grish” played at Richland High School before going pro. His contract history shows steady growth, from a $729,300 deal in 2022 to a $3.175 million contract with the Padres in 2023, and now his current Yankees deal.

Trent Grisham: Early Life and Background

Trent Grisham’s journey to Major League Baseball started in Texas, where his natural athleticism and love for baseball really took off early. Those early years laid the groundwork for everything that came next.

Family and Childhood

Trent Grisham, born Trenton Marcus Clark on November 1, 1996, in Burleson, Texas, later changed his surname to Grisham. Growing up in a baseball-crazy state, he was around the sport from the start.

Texas weather gave him the chance to practice all year, which definitely gave him a leg up on kids from colder places.

Grisham’s kept his family life pretty private, and honestly, not much is out there about his immediate family. He’s always preferred to keep that part of his life out of the spotlight.

High School Career

He attended Richland High School in North Richland Hills, Texas, where he made a name for himself as a top baseball prospect. Those high school years were where he really started turning heads.

As a left-handed outfielder with both defensive skills and a decent bat, Grisham quickly separated himself from other players. His play at Richland earned him recognition as one of the best high school prospects in Texas.

By his junior and senior years, Baseball America and other scouting outlets ranked him high on their prospect lists. His mix of speed, some power, and strong defense drew attention from colleges and pro scouts alike.

Amateur Achievements

Before going pro, Grisham picked up several big achievements that showed off his potential. He got selected for high-profile high school showcases and all-star games, facing off against the best young talent in the country.

His performances at these events locked in his status as a first-round talent. Scouts especially liked his plate discipline, a skill that would stick with him as a pro.

In 2015, the Milwaukee Brewers picked him 15th overall in the MLB Draft. That high selection made it clear that teams saw real potential in the young outfielder.

Grisham decided to skip college baseball and signed with the Brewers right out of high school, jumping straight into his pro career.

Professional Career Overview

Trent Grisham’s road to the big leagues has featured defensive highlights, some power potential, and plenty of adaptability. He’s gone from a high draft pick to an established outfielder for multiple MLB teams.

MLB Draft and Minor Leagues

The Brewers picked Grisham 15th overall in the 2015 MLB Draft. As a Burleson, Texas native and Richland High grad, he entered pro ball with high expectations, especially for his plate discipline and defense.

Grisham spent four years working his way through Milwaukee’s farm system. It wasn’t always smooth, but in 2019, he overhauled his swing, which finally unlocked his bat. That year, he put up big numbers in Double-A and Triple-A, forcing the Brewers to give him a serious look.

His stats took off that season, showing both power and the ability to get on base. The Brewers called him up to the majors on August 1, 2019, and he started carving out his spot as a promising outfielder.

San Diego Padres Era

In November 2019, the Brewers traded Grisham to the San Diego Padres, where he enjoyed the most productive years of his career so far. With the Padres, he quickly became their everyday center fielder.

The 2020 shortened season was his breakout. Grisham flashed terrific defense in center and chipped in with the bat. He took home a Gold Glove Award that year, confirming his spot as one of baseball’s elite defensive outfielders.

With San Diego, Grisham became known for his power-speed combo. Still, he struggled to find consistency at the plate, mixing hot streaks with cold spells. In 2023, he agreed to a one-year, $3.175 million contract with the Padres, avoiding arbitration.

Trade to New York Yankees

After the 2023 season, the Padres sent Grisham to the New York Yankees in a major trade. This move gave Grisham a chance to reset after his ups and downs in San Diego.

The Yankees wanted him for his defense in center field. His range and knack for making tough plays seemed perfect for Yankee Stadium’s wide-open center field.

The trade also showed the Yankees believed Grisham could still find another gear offensively in a new setting. They valued his mix of power, speed, and defense, even with the offensive inconsistencies.

New York Yankees Tenure

Once he joined the Yankees, Grisham signed a one-year, $5 million contract for 2025, avoiding arbitration. That deal showed the team’s belief in his value as a defensive specialist with some offensive potential.

With New York, Grisham has mostly played as a defensive specialist in center. His glove has saved plenty of runs and made life easier for the Yankees’ pitchers.

His offense has been inconsistent, but his defense hasn’t slipped. The Yankees use him strategically—often as a late-inning defensive sub or in specific matchups.

By 2024, Grisham’s career earnings had reached about $13,082,466. That’s not bad for a guy who’s made his name with his glove more than his bat.

Performance and Career Statistics

Trent Grisham has become a valuable MLB player, mostly thanks to his defensive skills, with some offensive contributions sprinkled in. His stats show a player who helps in several ways, but especially shines in the outfield.

Batting Average and OPS

Grisham’s offensive numbers have been modest but respectable. Since his 2019 debut with Milwaukee, he’s usually hit somewhere between .220 and .250—typical for a glove-first outfielder.

His on-base plus slugging (OPS) paints a fuller picture. He’s posted OPS numbers in the .700 to .810 range during his best years, showing some plate discipline and pop.

Grisham works counts and draws walks, which helps balance out the lower batting averages. His best offensive run came in the 2020 shortened season with the Padres, where his numbers really stood out.

Home Runs and RBIs

He’s shown decent power, usually hitting 10-17 home runs in full seasons. His top year for homers was 2021 with San Diego, when he hit 15.

RBIs? He’s typically driven in 30-55 runs per year, which makes sense given his usual spot in the lower part of the order.

Some power stats by season:

• 2020: 10 HR, 26 RBI (short season)
• 2021: 15 HR, 55 RBI
• 2022: 17 HR, 53 RBI
• 2023: 13 HR, 36 RBI

His power often comes in bunches, and his lefty swing plays well against righties, especially in hitter-friendly parks.

Defensive Metrics and Gold Glove

Grisham’s defense is where he really stands out. In 2020, he won the National League Gold Glove Award for center field, which says a lot about his reputation.

His defensive numbers are consistently strong:

• Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): Always positive
• Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR): Above average
• Outs Above Average (OAA): Top percentiles most years

Standing 5’10” and weighing 224 pounds, Grisham pairs surprising speed with great instincts. His quick first step and tracking ability make him a top defender at a premium spot.

The Yankees brought him in mostly for this defense, knowing he could cover the big center field gaps in the Bronx.

Playoff and Postseason Highlights

Grisham has a knack for stepping up in the postseason. Even with quieter regular season numbers, he’s delivered some clutch moments in October.

In the 2020 playoffs, he made an impact for the Padres with timely hits and his usual sharp defense. The 2022 postseason brought more big moments, including key hits against the Dodgers and Mets.

A few postseason highlights:

• 2020 Wild Card: Big home run against the Cardinals
• 2022 NLDS: Clutch hits vs. the Dodgers
• Steady defense every time he’s in the playoffs

He’s shown he can handle the pressure. The Yankees, who are always in the playoff mix, probably liked that when they traded for him and gave him a $5 million contract for 2025.

2024 Season and Recent Developments

Trent Grisham’s 2024 season with the Yankees highlighted his defensive value and the smart way the team used him, even as his offense lagged. He fit right into the outfield rotation, providing depth for a club with big postseason goals.

Role with the Yankees

Grisham made himself useful as a defensive specialist in the Yankees’ outfield rotation in 2024. Manager Aaron Boone often used him as a late-game defensive sub, taking advantage of his glove to lock down leads.

When he started, Grisham usually hit in the lower third of the lineup and played center, which let Aaron Judge move to right and save his legs. That setup worked well, especially during day games after night games, giving Judge a breather while keeping the defense strong.

Grisham’s speed on the bases added a different look to the Yankees’ power-heavy lineup, giving them another way to score at Yankee Stadium.

Notable Games and Highlights

Grisham had some memorable moments in 2024. He made a game-saving catch against the Red Sox in June, robbing a home run by climbing the center field wall—a highlight for sure.

His biggest offensive moment came in a crucial September series against Toronto, when he hit a grand slam that helped push the Yankees toward clinching a playoff spot. That kind of clutch performance is exactly what teams hope for in the stretch run.

He also showed off his baserunning smarts in close games, like when he tagged up from second on a deep fly ball and caught the Astros’ defense napping, leading to a manufactured run.

Team Dynamics and Rotation Depth

Grisham really gave the Yankees’ outfield rotation a shot in the arm. Boone finally had some flexibility—he could rest Giancarlo Stanton more often in the field, keeping Stanton fresher for those clutch at-bats.

Out there in the outfield, Grisham, Judge, and the rotating cast of corner outfielders started to click. Grisham’s knack for communicating, especially on those tricky shallow pop-ups, made life a lot easier for Anthony Volpe and Gleyber Torres. Fewer awkward moments, more smooth outs.

Inside the clubhouse, Grisham built a solid rapport with veterans like DJ LeMahieu, who really seemed to appreciate his preparation and baseball smarts. Tommy Kahnle even pointed out how Grisham’s positioning in the outfield saved the bullpen from a few potential disasters, especially in tight games.

Contract History and Salary Figures

Trent Grisham’s path through the majors tells a pretty familiar story—draft pick, rookie deal, and then, eventually, a real payday. His salary’s jumped a lot since those early Milwaukee Brewers days.

Rookie Contract and Early Deals

Back in 2015, the Brewers picked Grisham 15th overall, and he signed his first pro contract with a pretty decent bonus. He spent his minor league years grinding it out for typical minor league wages, just working on his game.

When Grisham made his MLB debut in 2019, he took home the league minimum salary, just like most rookies. Those first few years, players don’t have much say in their pay.

After the Brewers traded him to the Padres before 2020, Grisham stayed under team control, with his salary based mostly on service time.

Major League Extensions

As Grisham spent more time with the Padres, his pay started to reflect his growing value. In January 2023, he and the Padres skipped arbitration and agreed to a one-year, $3.175 million contract.

That was a big jump from what he’d been making, and it showed how much the Padres valued his glove—even if the bat wasn’t always there. They needed his Gold Glove defense out in center.

This kind of deal is pretty standard for players with his amount of service time—Padres kept him around but didn’t tie up too much payroll.

Recent Contract with the Yankees

Then came the big move: Grisham landed with the Yankees. After the trade, he signed a one-year, $5 million contract, another nice bump in pay.

GM Brian Cashman went after Grisham mainly for his defense in center. That $5 million lines up with the Yankees’ usual approach—they’ll pay for guys who fill a specific need.

Grisham isn’t anywhere near the top of the Yankees’ payroll, but his current salary pushes his career earnings past $7.5 million. What happens after 2025? Hard to say—he’ll have to show what he can do in pinstripes.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Trent Grisham has built up a solid chunk of wealth from his MLB contracts, a few endorsements, and some smart moves off the field. His finances have grown pretty steadily since he broke into the big leagues.

Career Earnings Overview

Estimates put Grisham’s net worth somewhere between $5 million and $7.58 million as of 2025. Each year in the majors has added to his bank account.

He started with a modest signing bonus from the Brewers in 2015. Once he got to the Padres, his salary climbed, especially through arbitration.

His newest deal with the Yankees is a one-year, $5 million contract for 2025. That’s a decent jump from his previous $3,175,000 salary.

He avoided arbitration by taking this Yankees contract, which definitely helps his financial stability in the league.

Endorsement Deals

Compared to some MLB stars, Grisham keeps his endorsement game pretty low-key. His main equipment deal is with Rawlings—he trusts their gloves.

He’s got a few partnerships with athletic wear brands, but nothing huge or national. If you check his social media, you’ll see the occasional shoutout for sports nutrition products.

Grisham seems to pick endorsement deals that fit his style and reputation—more about quality than quantity.

Baseball analysts figure his endorsement earnings land in the mid-six figures each year, which adds a nice boost to his salary.

Investments and Personal Assets

Grisham has made some smart moves with his money, especially in real estate. He owns property in Texas, plus a place in San Diego from his Padres days.

He’s got a diversified investment portfolio, including stocks and a few bets on sports tech startups. Advisors say he takes a pretty conservative approach—no wild risks.

His car collection? Honestly, it’s pretty modest for a pro athlete. He’s got a customized truck that pops up on social media now and then, but that’s about it.

Grisham also set up a small foundation to support youth baseball in underserved areas, which says a lot about his priorities—he’s thinking long-term and trying to give back.

Awards, Honors, and Recognitions

Trent Grisham has made a name for himself as an elite defensive outfielder. He’s racked up some impressive awards for his glove work and earned respect as a well-rounded player.

Major League Accolades

Grisham’s career stands out most for his defense. He really broke through during the shortened 2020 season with the Padres—his defensive metrics put him at the top of the charts.

People notice his mix of power and speed, and even when his bat goes cold, he finds ways to help his team win.

His defense in center field has been his calling card since he arrived in the majors. Before he joined the Yankees, he already had a reputation as one of the best defensive outfielders in the National League.

All-Star Appearances

Grisham hasn’t cracked a major league All-Star roster yet, but with his glove, you kind of expect he’ll be in the conversation at some point. Players and coaches around the league definitely notice him.

Back in the minors, he earned some honors—he made the Baseball America Rookie All-Star team in 2015 with the Helena Brewers, and was also picked as an MiLB.com Organization All-Star that same year. People saw his potential early on.

Gold Glove Achievements

Here’s where Grisham really shines. He’s a two-time Gold Glove winner, taking home the award in 2020 and again in 2022 with the Padres.

His first Gold Glove came in that weird, shortened 2020 season, but he wasted no time showing he could handle center field at an elite level. That was his first full year as a starter, too.

He picked up another Gold Glove in 2022, just cementing his spot among the best defensive outfielders in the game. Grisham covers a ton of ground and makes tough catches look easy.

His defensive stats, like range factor and defensive runs saved, always seem to rank near the top for center fielders—no surprise he keeps getting recognized.

Key Teammates, Rivals, and Significant Moments

Over his MLB journey, Grisham has played with a bunch of talented teammates and faced off against some big names. His defense and knack for clutch hits have led to some pretty memorable moments.

Notable Teammates across Teams

While he was with the Padres, Grisham helped anchor an outfield with stars like Juan Soto. That duo made life tough for opposing hitters. He also worked alongside infielders Xander Bogaerts and Ha-Seong Kim, forming a core that kept the Padres in playoff contention.

On the mound, he backed up pitchers like Joe Musgrove, Blake Snell, and Yu Darvish, who all benefited from his range in center.

After joining the Yankees, Grisham found himself sharing the field with superstars Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. The infield, with Gleyber Torres and Anthony Volpe, gave the Yankees a deep roster where Grisham’s defense really stood out.

Rivalry Matchups

Grisham got plenty of experience in heated NL West matchups, especially against the Dodgers. He often found himself matching up with outfielders like Shohei Ohtani after Ohtani joined LA—always fun to watch those defensive showdowns.

After moving to the Yankees, he jumped into the Subway Series, facing off against Pete Alonso and the Mets. His defensive reads and positioning became crucial in those big moments.

In the playoffs, Grisham’s glove has changed the course of a few games. He’s tracked down some tough flies under serious pressure, earning respect from rivals on both sides of the country.

Memorable Plays and Impact on Teams

Grisham’s highlight reel is packed with game-saving catches, especially from his time with the Padres. Those Gold Glove plays often turned the tide in close contests.

He surprised a lot of people with clutch home runs in the 2022 postseason, helping push the Padres further in October. When his bat heats up, it’s a bonus on top of his already stellar defense.

With the Yankees, Grisham quickly carved out a role as a defensive specialist, giving guys like Jasson Dominguez a breather and keeping the outfield sharp. Manager Aaron Boone took advantage of Grisham’s versatility to mix up defensive looks.

He’s worked closely with pitchers like Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes, helping the Yankees tighten up their run prevention. Grisham’s understanding of positioning and his efficient routes have made him a real asset, even when his offense isn’t clicking.

Relationship with Coaches, Management, and Media

Trent Grisham has navigated some pretty complex relationships over his career, building connections with coaches, front offices, and media folks that have all played a part in shaping his path in baseball.

Influential Managers and Staff

Grisham started working with Aaron Boone when he joined the Yankees. Boone often talks up Grisham’s defense and seems to genuinely trust him out there in the outfield. You’ll hear him praise Grisham’s glove at pressers, and it doesn’t sound forced.

Back when Grisham played for the Padres, he and A.J. Preller worked well together. Preller, as San Diego’s GM, traded for Grisham from Milwaukee in 2019, showing right away that he believed in Grisham’s upside.

After Grisham landed with the Yankees, Brian Cashman made it clear he valued Grisham’s defensive chops and saw more potential than just what shows up in the box score. Cashman’s roster moves often look for that kind of hidden value.

Coaches on both clubs have spent a lot of time with Grisham, working on his swing and trying to help him bring his offense closer to the level of his defense.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

Media coverage around Grisham usually swings between two themes: his top-tier defense and his struggles at the plate. Analysts love to highlight his Gold Glove-worthy outfield play, and honestly, it’s hard to blame them.

Ken Rosenthal, who knows the game inside and out, often calls Grisham a defensive specialist who still brings plenty to the table even when the hits aren’t falling. That sort of honest but fair coverage has shaped how fans see Grisham—as a guy with a particular set of skills.

On social media, reactions are all over the place. Some folks can’t get enough of his highlight catches, while others get frustrated with his bat. There’s also a group that just appreciates his baseball smarts.

After Grisham signed his $5 million contract with the Yankees, the New York media attention really ramped up. Still, Grisham’s low-key, steady approach seems to work for him. Reporters usually respect how he handles the ups and downs.

Off-Field Life and Community Involvement

Off the field, Trent Grisham keeps things balanced. He spends time giving back and finds ways to recharge, which, honestly, seems pretty healthy given the grind of MLB life.

Charitable Activities

Grisham has built a reputation as a committed philanthropist since he broke into the majors. He jumps into the Yankees’ community outreach efforts and kept up the charitable work he started with the Padres.

He’s especially passionate about youth baseball in underserved areas. In 2023, he kicked off a program in San Diego that gives equipment and coaching to youth leagues, and he’s since brought that idea to New York after signing his Yankees contract.

Grisham also gets involved in:

• Annual holiday food drives
• Cancer research fundraisers
• Baseball camps for kids with disabilities

“Baseball gave me opportunities I never imagined possible as a kid,” Grisham said at a 2024 event. “I feel responsible to create those same possibilities for others.”

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Grisham doesn’t share much about his personal life, but a few things have gotten out. He’s big on the outdoors—fishing, hiking, that sort of thing—especially in the offseason when he needs a mental reset.

He’s also into photography and posts some of his travel and nature shots on social media. That creative side seems to help him unwind from the routine of pro baseball.

Among his teammates, Grisham has a reputation as a serious chess player. He’ll set up little tournaments on the road, and honestly, that kind of strategic thinking probably helps him read the game defensively and on the basepaths.

Even with a net worth around $7.5 million, those close to him say Grisham stays grounded. He’d rather hang out with family than chase the spotlight.

Future Outlook and Legacy

Trent Grisham’s career feels like one to keep an eye on. He’s got challenges and chances ahead, and you never really know which way it’ll go. His defense is elite, and sometimes he flashes real power at the plate, so there’s still a lot of potential.

Free Agency and Market Value

Grisham’s one-year, $5 million deal with the Yankees puts him on track for free agency after 2025. This season feels like a big chance for him to boost his value.

Teams pay for defense, especially when a player’s got Gold Glove credentials. Grisham’s defense in center field is probably his biggest selling point.

Front offices care more about defensive metrics than ever. If Grisham can bump up his average while keeping his pop and glove, he might land a multi-year deal worth $8-12 million a year.

Players like Grisham—great defense, some power—tend to get rewarded in free agency.

Potential Career Milestones

If Grisham stays on his current track, he could hit a few notable milestones. Another Gold Glove would really lock in his place among the best defensive outfielders of his time.

He’s on pace for:

• 100+ career home runs by 2027
• 500+ hits in the next three seasons
• Over 50 defensive runs saved (DRS) in center field

Looking at the numbers, he’s already in some pretty exclusive company. If he keeps it up, folks might start mentioning him alongside Kevin Kiermaier or Lorenzo Cain as one of the best defensive center fielders of this era.

With the Yankees, Grisham gets a bigger stage to show what he can do. That could make a real difference for his career.

Impact on MLB and Fans

Grisham’s influence goes way beyond the stat sheet—he’s made teams rethink how much they value defensive specialists. You’ll see his highlight-reel catches pop up on MLB’s social media all the time, and honestly, it’s hard not to appreciate that kind of defense.

In San Diego, fans really rallied around Grisham, even when his bat went cold. Those clutch plays in big moments, especially during the Padres’ playoff runs, made him a fan favorite.

Now, Yankees fans get to watch Grisham work his magic in center field at Yankee Stadium. He covers a ton of ground out there, giving the pitching staff a little more breathing room knowing he’s got their backs.

Grisham isn’t exactly a household name—at least not yet. But if he gets his shot in the World Series, maybe that’ll change and more casual fans will start to notice what he brings.