With Giancarlo Stanton’s return from the injured list (IL) expected in the coming days, the New York Yankees’ outfield dynamics are about to shift dramatically. Outfielder Trent Grisham, who has been a surprising power source with 13 home runs this season, is likely to see his playing time reduced. Despite Grisham being on pace for his first 20-homer season, his chances of reaching the prestigious 30-home run club in 2025 appear slim. However, ESPN’s Eric Karabell has stirred controversy with a bold prediction that Grisham can still hit 30 homers, a claim that has left fans and analysts scratching their heads.
Karabell acknowledges Grisham’s recent struggles, noting his .215 batting average and .712 OPS over 144 plate appearances since May 1. While the OPS is league-average, Grisham’s slump is undeniable. Still, Karabell remains optimistic, citing Grisham’s ability to draw walks, score runs (especially batting ahead of Aaron Judge), and maintain strong metrics like exit velocity and Barrels. “Grisham is slumping,” Karabell wrote, “but there is little indication he will lose his valuable lineup spot.”
This assertion, however, overlooks a critical factor: Stanton’s imminent return. Stanton, a locked-in designated hitter (DH), will reclaim his spot in the lineup, leaving little room for Grisham. The Yankees are unlikely to bench superstars Aaron Judge or Cody Bellinger, and there’s no indication that manager Aaron Boone plans to platoon Grisham with Jasson Domínguez, who has struggled with a .227 average and .619 OPS since his three-homer game on May 9.
Giancarlo Keeps Rollin’ 🔥@Yankees DH Giancarlo Stanton clubs a 110.6 mph double to score top prospect George Lombard Jr.
Stanton is 3-for-4 with 4 RBI across two rehab games with Somerset 👀 pic.twitter.com/MCOaE9h2Pp
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) June 11, 2025
Given these realities, expecting Grisham to hit 17 more home runs over the remaining 95 games as a part-time player seems far-fetched. While Karabell’s advice to keep Grisham on fantasy baseball rosters may hold some merit due to his power potential, predicting a 30-homer season is a stretch. Unless another outfielder lands on the IL, Grisham’s path to that milestone appears blocked.
Karabell’s bold take has sparked debate among Yankees fans and fantasy players alike, with many calling it an unrealistic projection. For now, Grisham’s role as a valuable but part-time contributor seems set, and the 30-homer dream will likely remain just that—a dream.