As the New York Yankees battle for the AL East crown with just two games left in the 2025 regular season, their postseason hopes burn brighter than ever. Despite a year that hasn’t always showcased their full potential, the Yankees are primed for a deep playoff run. The loss of superstar Juan Soto to the New York Mets on a jaw-dropping contract in the offseason could have derailed their campaign, but the emergence of an unlikely hero has kept the Bronx Bombers on track: Trent Grisham.
Grisham’s career-best season has filled the void left by Soto, delivering clutch performances and proving his worth as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ lineup. But this feel-good story almost took a catastrophic turn. According to SNY.tv’s Andy Martino, the Yankees and Mets engaged in trade talks at the deadline that could have sent Grisham across town to Queens in exchange for Mets third baseman Brett Baty—a deal that, in hindsight, would have been a disaster for the Yankees.
The proposed swap, as reported by Martino, saw the Mets seeking a rental center fielder in Grisham, while the Yankees coveted a controllable third baseman with Baty’s promising left-handed swing. It seemed like a logical fit on paper: two New York rivals addressing their respective needs. But the deal collapsed, and the Yankees instead pursued Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies to bolster their infield, while the Mets landed Cedric Mullins for their outfield.
The decision to walk away from the Grisham-Baty trade has proven to be a masterstroke for the Yankees. Since the trade deadline, Grisham has been a revelation, slashing .223 with an .840 OPS, fueled by a robust .492 slugging percentage. In 49 games, he’s smashed 16 home runs, driven in 34 RBIs, scored 36 runs, and racked up 40 hits—curiously, without a single double. His power surge has been nothing short of electric, providing the Yankees with a dynamic offensive presence.
On the other side of the city, Brett Baty has performed admirably for the Mets, posting a .308 batting average and an .866 OPS in 43 games since the deadline. His .496 slugging percentage edges out Grisham’s, and he’s added four doubles to his seven home runs. Yet, despite these strong numbers, Baty’s overall impact pales in comparison. His 11 extra-base hits (seven homers, four doubles) fall short of Grisham’s 16 home runs alone, and his 16 RBIs are less than half of Grisham’s 34. While Baty has been a reliable contributor, Grisham’s ability to drive in runs and deliver game-changing power has been a lifeline for the Yankees.
The players acquired in lieu of the failed trade further highlight the Yankees’ good fortune. Ryan McMahon, the Yankees’ fallback option at third base, has struggled with a .621 OPS since joining the team—a far cry from Baty’s production. Meanwhile, Cedric Mullins, the Mets’ consolation prize in center field, has floundered, hitting just .183 with a dismal .569 OPS in 41 games. The contrast is stark: the Yankees dodged a bullet, while the Mets’ trade acquisition has underwhelmed.
The numbers tell a compelling story, but the intangibles make Grisham’s retention even more critical. His ability to step up in Soto’s absence has given the Yankees a spark they desperately needed. Had the trade gone through, the Yankees might have sacrificed Grisham’s offensive firepower for a marginal upgrade at third base—a move that could have disrupted their postseason push.
As the Yankees head into the final weekend of the regular season, their decision to hold onto Grisham looms large. The outfielder’s breakout campaign has not only stabilized their lineup but also underscored the importance of trusting in their roster. The Mets, meanwhile, are left to wonder what might have been had they secured Grisham’s services.
In a city where every move is scrutinized, the Yankees’ choice to back away from this trade has proven to be a heart-stopping moment of brilliance. Grisham’s heroics have kept the Yankees in contention, and the near-miss with Baty serves as a reminder of how close they came to a disastrous misstep. As the postseason beckons, Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief—and cheer a little louder for the man who stayed in the Bronx.