Let’s dive into the world of baseball and take a closer look at how Trent Grisham and Gleyber Torres are faring in the 2026 season after accepting their qualifying offers. Both players are coming off seasons that set the stage for their current campaigns, and their performances are crucial for their respective teams.
Trent Grisham and the Yankees
Trent Grisham, fresh from a standout year with the Yankees, opted to stick around for another season, banking on his offensive surge to continue. His 2025 season was a revelation-34 home runs and a 129 wRC+ had him looking like a force at the plate.
However, his defensive prowess took a hit, turning from an asset to a bit of a liability. This year, Grisham’s start has been less than stellar, with a .155/.297/.320 slash line and a 79 wRC+ over 118 plate appearances.
Despite these numbers, there’s a silver lining: Grisham’s batting average on balls in play is a mere .151, far below his career average. This suggests he’s been a bit unlucky, and his expected stats hint at better days ahead.
The Yankees are banking on Grisham to regain his form, especially with outfield continuity being a key factor. With Jasson Dominguez dealing with injuries and Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge rounding out the outfield, Grisham’s potential resurgence could solidify one of the league’s top outfield trios. The underlying metrics suggest that even if Grisham doesn’t return to his 2025 peak, he could still be a solid contributor as the season progresses.
Gleyber Torres and the Tigers
Gleyber Torres, meanwhile, has been a steady presence for the Tigers. After posting a 113 wRC+ last year, he’s seen as one of the better offensive second basemen in the league.
His defense has always been a question mark, but on a short-term deal, the Tigers are willing to live with it given his offensive upside. This season, Torres has been slightly above average, but his power numbers have dipped.
His on-base skills remain strong, with a .380 OBP, but a drop in isolated slugging from .132 to .070 has tempered his overall impact.
Torres’ current performance echoes his second-half struggles from last year, which were marred by a sports hernia that required surgery. His average exit velocity has also declined, suggesting he might still be shaking off the rust from an offseason disrupted by recovery. Nonetheless, his ability to get on base keeps him valuable, and the Tigers are hopeful that as he distances himself from the surgery, his power will return.
Both Grisham and Torres have shown they can be game-changers when at their best. As the season unfolds, their teams will be watching closely, hoping these talented players can recapture their previous form and deliver on the promise of their qualifying offers.
