The Yankees’ arguably best-in-the-league outfield on offense has them finally keeping their hopes alive for a deep October run. They might as well be one game away from some celebrations. But the very lineup, one that has led the league in home runs (103), poses a dilemma. Brian Cashman was still guessing their magic number for a playoff spot when The Post summoned a whole new conversation.

About two months to go to the Hot Stove, New York Post’s Joel Sherman revealed the awaited estimation: MLB’s qualifying offer. He says that the number roughly stands at $22 million for 2026. Problem for the Yankees? Pour it all out for free agent Trent Grisham after his career season, or save it towards a more compelling offer for their established star, Cody Bellinger. Sherman says Grisham’s magical season is playing the disruptor.

“Grisham’s actually exceptional at playing a ball off the wall. He’s lined himself up in the right places… it’s smart play if you watch him a lot,” he started on the Pinstripe Post podcast. “He might actually accept one at 22 [QO]. Would the Yankees be okay at one and 22 and then just see if they are able to keep Bellinger? Like it does help them a little bit if they don’t keep Bellinger.” 

Needless to say, the Yankees have an established outfield. To start with, Aaron Judge is securing his spot in right field, thanks to an MVP-worthy campaign. On the other hand, Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are believed to take over the left. For the center, the Yankees have to either divide their purse between Grisham and a right-hand hitting outfielder or go all in on Bellinger.

The 30-year-old is already predicted to be one of the best bats in the market after he turns down the $25 million player option. His agent, Scott Boras, is especially known to land his clients lucrative offers upon exercising player option. Not a surprise that Sherman believes letting Bellinger go would help the Yankees.

The two outfielders have delivered nearly identical offensive seasons, each posting an OPS of .815, yet their approaches diverge sharply in style and impact. Bellinger showcased consistent firepower, totaling 154 hits, 97 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases this season. Grisham, despite fewer at-bats at 475, blasted a career-high 33 home runs while drawing an impressive 75 walks, showcasing plate discipline and power in high-leverage moments.

Bronx fans witnessed contrasting thrills: Bellinger’s steady versatility clashing with Grisham’s explosive, unpredictable power bursts nightly. Age and long-term potential now give Grisham a subtle edge, even as Bellinger remains the more established star. Moreover, Ryan Sampson, the host on Pinstripe Post podcast says, “This team’s like mentality and morale that there’s a calmness with Trent Grisham. You could see, the guys like Trent Grisham a lot. He’s definitely quiet and reserved, but the guys in the locker room seem to respond to him a lot.” 

Extending this one-year offer could secure him while testing whether his 2025 breakout is repeatable. Strategically, it lets New York safeguard draft picks while giving prospects like Dominguez and Jones space to flourish.

The Yankees are walking a tightrope between prudence and bravado, and Brian Cashman’s ledger is about to get very interesting. Choosing between Trent Grisham’s peak-age promise and Cody Bellinger’s proven versatility isn’t just numbers; it’s a statement about the team’s identity. Fans will argue endlessly over the qualifying offer, yet in New York, even $22 million ignites chaos.

Who other than Bellinger can leave the Yankees in 2026

The Yankees have always played the long game, but sometimes even the best-laid plans feel like juggling flaming bats. With Cody Bellinger angling for free agency in 2026, Brian Cashman’s offseason headache is already shaping up. The Bronx Bombers are staring down a familiar dilemma: Who stays, who goes, and who quietly vanishes into the ether, leaving the fans to wonder if loyalty is just a seasonal luxury.

Luke Weaver, once a postseason hero, has stumbled to a 3.97 ERA over 59 innings in 2025. Devin Williams’ one-year “prove-it” experiment faltered, limiting him mostly to low-leverage appearances against weaker lineups. Mark Leiter Jr., defined by blown middle innings, has allowed six earned runs in just 2 1/3 September innings.

Fans watching Anthony Volpe feel the sting of fading potential, with 19 errors and an OPS+ stuck in the 80s. Even his 19 home runs can’t mask the defensive lapses that make the Bronx question shortstop reliability.

Weaver, Williams, and Leiter Jr. are all replaceable through smarter bullpen allocations and strategic call-ups from the minors.

The Yankees must decide swiftly, balancing loyalty and logic, as 2026 will demand clarity from a roster in flux.

Bellinger’s departure could spark a domino effect, while Weaver, Williams, Leiter Jr., and Volpe hover on the chopping block. Fans might clutch their foam fingers tighter, hoping someone, anyone, can fill these gaping holes.