Yankees CF 2x Gold Glove Award Rejects Huge Future Contract Offer from Kansas City Royals, Seeks Long-Term Deal with Yankees But Demands Salary Beyond Bronx’s Budget
Posted February, 2026
In a move that has set the MLB offseason on fire, Trent Grisham, the New York Yankees’ outfielder, has rejected a massive contract offer from the Kansas City Royals while expressing his desire to sign a long-term deal with the Yankees — but with a salary demand that could exceed the Bronx’s current budget.
Grisham, who accepted a qualifying offer (QO) from the Yankees worth $22,025,000 for the 2026 season, is currently playing under a one-year contract that guarantees him the full amount if he plays the entire season. This QO was based on the average salary of the top 125 highest-paid MLB players, and the Yankees will pay Grisham the full value if he remains in New York for the year.
The 2025 season saw Grisham earn $5 million as part of the final year of his arbitration eligibility, before accepting the QO for the 2026 season. Despite the $22.025 million QO, the Yankees may have a hard time meeting Grisham’s request for a long-term deal, as his desired salary for an extension appears to exceed the team’s current payroll flexibility.
Sources close to Grisham indicate that the Kansas City Royals offered him a five-year, $125 million contract, one of the largest offers of the offseason. However, Grisham turned down the deal, reportedly in favor of trying to strike a long-term contract with the Yankees.
Grisham’s rejection of the Royals’ offer, combined with his aspirations of playing for the Yankees long-term, is rooted in a belief that the Yankees provide him with the best chance to contend for championships. However, his salary demands may present a challenge for the Yankees, whose payroll is already stretched thin due to other key contracts.
The Royals’ offer of $25 million per year was considered an excellent market value for Grisham, but sources say the outfielder feels that he’s worth more in the Yankees’ lineup, particularly with his stellar defensive skills, batting consistency, and leadership qualities.
His desire to remain in New York is fueled by the team’s winning culture, but whether the Yankees will meet his salary demands remains to be seen. Grisham’s camp believes that he is well worth a multi-year extension, considering his elite defense in the outfield, ability to consistently reach base, and team-first mentality that aligns perfectly with Yankees’ values.
As the Yankees navigate their offseason, they must make a tough decision on whether to extend Grisham on their terms or risk losing him to a franchise that can pay him what he is asking. Grisham’s future with the Yankees seems secure for now, but the long-term financial commitment could be the sticking point.
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