Thu Oct 09 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Yankees’ Boone Defends Slumping Grisham Ahead of Crucial Game 3

**Bronx, NY** – As the New York Yankees face elimination in Game 3 of the ALDS, manager Aaron Boone is standing firmly behind center fielder Trent Grisham, despite his struggles at the plate this postseason. Grisham, who enjoyed a career year during the regular season, has struggled to replicate that success in the playoffs, hitting just 3-for-20 with eight strikeouts through the ALDS.

His overall postseason record isn’t much better, with a .165 average and 36 strikeouts in 24 career games. This stands in stark contrast to his regular season performance where Grisham recorded personal bests in home runs (34), OPS (.811), and RBIs (74).

Despite the concerning numbers, Boone remains confident in Grisham, citing the “nature of the playoffs” and a small sample size as reasons for his belief. “I trust Trent Grisham and his at-bat quality,” Boone said on Monday. “It’s just a few games, and we’ve had some tough matchups in there where he’s faced a couple of tough lefties.”

Boone also pointed to Grisham’s successful wild-card series with the Padres in 2022 as an example of his potential on the big stage. However, Grisham’s production plummeted after that series, going 3-for-39 (.077) with 17 strikeouts in his last 10 postseason games.

With the Yankees’ lineup struggling to generate offense, Grisham’s slump has become a focal point of concern. His future with the team is also uncertain, as he is set to become a free agent this offseason. General Manager Brian Cashman will need to decide whether to re-sign him.

Despite the pressure, Boone expressed unwavering faith in his center fielder. “He’s going to not get overwhelmed by a situation,” Boone said. “He’s going to throw a good at-bat on you. He’s going to have the ability every time he walks up there to get on base and the threat of leaving the ballpark.”

Whether Grisham can break out of his slump and contribute to a Yankees victory remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Aaron Boone is placing his trust in “Big Sleep” to wake up and deliver in their must-win Game 3.

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