Yankees manager Aaron Boone has opted to continue starting Trent Grisham in center field, citing the veteran's experience and knowledge of the position as more valuable than the raw athleticism of Spencer Jones. Boone stated that this arrangement represents the "best way to go" for the team, despite Grisham's declining sprint speed and defensive metrics.
Among outfielders with at least 10 opportunities in center field this season, Grisham ranked last in sprint speed, according to one metric. His top running speed has decreased from 29.1 feet per second in 2020 to 26.6 feet per second currently. This limitation is particularly evident on balls hit over his head, where Grisham has ranked at the bottom among center fielders in various defensive evaluations.
Outfield coach Luis Rojas acknowledged Grisham's struggles going back for balls, attributing some of it to hamstring injuries over the past few years. However, Rojas also noted Grisham's strengths in charging the ball and his ability to make plays coming in, as well as his general athleticism for bending and diving catches.
Despite these concerns, Boone emphasized Grisham's eight years of experience and his proficiency in understanding routes, ball security, and the nuances of the center field position. Grisham, who has won Gold Gloves in center field previously with the San Diego Padres, has primarily played the position throughout his career.
Spencer Jones, on the other hand, possesses elite athleticism and speed, ranking highly in sprint speed among all major leaguers. While Jones has played center field in the minor leagues, Boone also pointed to his experience playing other outfield positions in the minors, contributing to the current alignment. Boone suggested there are no guarantees that Jones would immediately demonstrate the same savviness in center field as Grisham.
The Yankees' decision indicates a reliance on Grisham's seasoned playmaking, while acknowledging his physical limitations. The team is hopeful that Grisham can regain some of his previous speed as he continues to recover from a recent hamstring strain, though his days as one of the game's fastest center fielders appear to be behind him.