Rangers should avoid this Yankees free agent outfielder, despite expert predictions

The Texas Rangers are currently in search of ways to improve their roster and a lot of that has to do with finding a way to bring consistent left-handed power production to the lineup. While one of those is predicted to make the Lone Star State his next home, the Rangers should respectfully pass.

Traded to the New York Yankees in the deal that also sent Juan Soto to the Bronx from the San Diego Padres in the 2023 offseason, Trent Grisham turned the corner in 2025 with an absolute monster year for the Pinstripes.

Heading to free agency for the first time, Grisham is looking to capitalize on his career-best season with an extended contract and a team that will let him to continue to play everyday. But the Rangers shouldn't be tricked by the positive season and throw a ton of money at him.

Rangers' shouldn't be fooled by Trent Grisham's career 2025 season

The 28-year-old outfielder rebounded from a horrendous 2024 season, with a slash line of .235/.348/.464, 34 home runs, 75 RBIs, 116 hits, 84 runs and an .811 OPS in 143 games with the Yankees this season.

Mostly spending his time batting leadoff and playing centerfield, Grisham split that power out throughout the entire season, recording 16 long balls before the All-Star Break and 18 post All-Star Break. He was a mark of consistency but was more a three-true outcome player.

The Rangers should keep in mind, as they would likely be replacing Adolis Garcia with Grisham. How successful would that be if they dumped Garcia for just a younger version of him with worse defense.

In Grisham's previous seven seasons, the former Milwaukee Brewer first-round pick, has never hit above .242 in a full-season and outside of the 2025 season hit sub-.200 from 2022-24.

According to Sportrac, Grisham is projected to make $12.1 million per year over the next four years. If you look at Garcia's upcoming arbitration, he's projected to make $12 million for 2026.

If the Rangers' front office is choosing between Grisham and Garcia, it would be a better option to go with Garcia, despite his recent regressions. But if they are truly looking to get better, as manager Skip Schumaker spoke about, moving away from both players would be the most ideal scenario.