The Seattle Mariners could enter the 2027 offseason with an important need in the outfield, and one prominent projection has linked them to New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham.
Seattle’s roster could look significantly different by the time the 2027 season arrives. With questions surrounding the team’s production in left field and several decisions expected to be made regarding upcoming free agents, the Mariners may have an opportunity to add an experienced outfielder without making an enormous financial commitment.
One player who could become available is Grisham, a former Gold Glove winner who has already experienced both success and struggles during his major league career.
According to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, Seattle could emerge as a potential landing spot for the Yankees outfielder. The projection comes at a time when the Mariners are expected to evaluate their options carefully, particularly if they decide to move on from Taylor Ward.
Mariners Could Have an Opening in Left Field
Seattle’s potential interest in Grisham is largely connected to the uncertainty surrounding left field.
Ward joined the Mariners after the trade deadline, but his time with the club has reportedly not gone as hoped. If Seattle ultimately decides against retaining him, the organization could be forced to search for another option before the 2027 campaign.
That could put the Mariners in position to explore the free-agent market.
Grisham would offer Seattle an interesting combination of experience, defensive versatility and power. Although his recent season has not matched his previous career-best campaign, he remains a player with a proven major league track record.
Reuter believes the Mariners could also create additional financial flexibility by allowing shortstop J.P. Crawford to leave in free agency.
“The Mariners will likely let J.P. Crawford walk to hand shortstop duties over to Colt Emerson,” Reuter wrote.
While Emerson’s initial exposure to the majors has not produced the results Seattle would have wanted, the organization could still decide that the young infielder deserves an opportunity to take over the position.
If that happens, the money previously committed to Crawford could potentially be redirected toward another area of the roster.
Grisham Could Provide More Than Left-Field Depth
One of the most appealing aspects of a potential Grisham signing would be his ability to provide insurance across the outfield.
Seattle already has Julio RodrÃguez as a key piece in center field, but injuries can quickly change a team’s plans during a long MLB season. Grisham could provide another option in center while also seeing time in left field.
Reuter specifically suggested that Grisham could fit into left field while serving as a backup plan in center should RodrÃguez miss time.
That versatility could make him more attractive to the Mariners than a player who is limited to one position.
Grisham has also demonstrated the ability to hit for power. He produced a career-high 34 home runs in 2025, showing that there is legitimate pop in his bat when he is performing at his best.
His production has fallen considerably since that breakout season, however.
A Difficult Season for Grisham
Despite his impressive 2025 campaign, Grisham has struggled during the current season.
He is currently on the injured list with a hamstring strain, adding another concern to an already disappointing year.
At the plate, Grisham’s .211 batting average ranks among the worst marks for qualified hitters. His defensive performance has also declined, with his speed becoming a significant issue.
He has recorded minus-six Outs Above Average in center field, reflecting the difficulties he has experienced defensively this season.
Those numbers would understandably make Seattle cautious.
The Mariners would have to determine whether Grisham’s current struggles represent a permanent decline or simply a down year following his career-best 2025 season.
That question could ultimately determine how aggressively Seattle pursues him.
Why the Yankees Could Let Him Leave
The Yankees may also have their own reasons for allowing Grisham to reach free agency.
New York has another potential solution developing in its organization. Spencer Jones has continued to emerge as an intriguing young talent, and the Yankees could eventually give him the opportunity to take over center-field responsibilities.
If the Yankees believe Jones is ready for an expanded role by 2027, there may be less incentive to bring Grisham back.
That could create an opportunity for another team to acquire an experienced outfielder without giving up prospects in a trade.
Seattle could be one of those teams.
Grisham Doesn’t Have to Be an Everyday Starter
Another factor working in favor of a potential Mariners-Grisham partnership is that Seattle would not necessarily need him to become an everyday player.
If the Mariners are able to build a strong starting outfield, Grisham could instead serve as a valuable reserve.
His 18 home runs this season demonstrate that he can still provide power, even while struggling to maintain a high batting average.
A player capable of producing home runs off the bench can be particularly useful over the course of a 162-game season. He could also receive occasional starts against certain matchups or step into the lineup when injuries occur.
That type of role could allow Seattle to maximize what Grisham does well while minimizing the impact of his current weaknesses.
Is Grisham the Right Move for Seattle?
The potential signing would certainly carry some risk.
The Mariners would be betting that Grisham can rediscover the form that produced 34 home runs in 2025. They would also have to be comfortable with his recent defensive numbers and determine whether his hamstring injury could affect his performance moving forward.
However, the upside could make the gamble worthwhile if the contract is reasonable.
Seattle needs to remain competitive in the American League West, and adding affordable depth could be especially important as the club attempts to strengthen its roster.
Grisham would not necessarily need to become a superstar for the move to succeed. If he can provide occasional power, reliable outfield coverage and experience, he could fill an important role.
A Potentially Intriguing Offseason Target
The Mariners’ potential pursuit of Grisham is still only a projection, rather than a confirmed indication that the team intends to sign him.
Nevertheless, the fit is easy to understand.
Seattle could have an opening in left field, while Grisham could become available if the Yankees decide to move forward with their younger options. The Mariners could also have additional payroll flexibility if Crawford departs.
That combination could create an opportunity for Seattle to add an experienced outfielder without committing to a major blockbuster contract.
For Grisham, a move to Seattle could represent a chance to reset his career following a difficult season. For the Mariners, it could be an opportunity to acquire a player whose recent struggles may have lowered his market value despite his proven ability to hit for power.
Ultimately, everything could depend on the contract, his health and whether Seattle believes his 2025 breakout was a sign of what he can still become.
If the Mariners decide they need more outfield depth heading into 2027, Grisham could be a name worth monitoring closely.
