The New York Yankees have made significant strides in the postseason, advancing to the American League Division Series (ALDS) after a victory over the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series. This success is bolstered by a standout performance from outfielder Trent Grisham, who had a remarkable season in 2025.
Trent Grisham: A Star Emerges
In 2025, Grisham experienced a career year, smashing 34 home runs and doubling his previous best. This performance earned him a fitting nickname within the clubhouse: “The Big Sleep.” Grisham, now in his seventh MLB season, expressed a relaxed attitude towards the nickname, stating, “Nicknames are given, you don’t really pick them… as long as it’s not crazy, that’s fine with me.”
The Origin of ‘The Big Sleep’
The nickname has sparked some discussion among fans and analysts. According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, Grisham earned the moniker due to his calm demeanor in high-pressure situations. However, some believe it stems from Grisham’s laid-back personality prior to his explosive 2025 season.
From Trade to Triumph
Grisham joined the Yankees as part of the Juan Soto trade before the 2024 season. Initially, he struggled, ending that year with a .190 batting average. Despite this, the Yankees signed him to a one-year, $5 million contract in the offseason, a decision that has proven advantageous. His transformative 2025 season included:
- Batting average: .235
- On-base percentage: .348
- Slugging percentage: .464
- Runs batted in (RBI): 74
- Runs scored: 87
- OPS+ of 125
Grisham’s performance allowed Aaron Judge to shift to right field, enhancing the team’s overall dynamic. Not only did he excel in home runs, but he also reduced his strikeout rate and raised his walk percentage, showcasing marked improvement.
Power Hitting and Upcoming Challenges
In August 2025, Grisham showcased his power-hitting prowess, hitting 10 home runs, followed by six more in September, helping the Yankees in their playoff push. However, this power surge came with a caveat; he only recorded nine doubles that season compared to 31 in 2023.
As the Yankees prepare to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS, Grisham must find his rhythm in the postseason. The Yankees hope “The Big Sleep” will awaken and continue his outstanding contributions to the team’s success.
