Despite criticism from fans, Yankees manager Aaron Boone defended center fielder Trent Grisham's error in Thursday's loss, citing his unique style of play and Gold Glove pedigree.
With the New York Yankees trailing in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds, center fielder Trent Grisham made an uncharacteristic error that drew loud boos from the home crowd. However, manager Aaron Boone refused to publicly criticize Grisham, instead praising his unconventional but effective playing style.
Grisham, a two-time Gold Glove winner, has been known for his relaxed approach in center field, often fielding balls with an ease and confidence that belies the urgency of the situation. While this style has paid dividends in the past, it backfired against the Reds when Grisham fumbled a routine fly ball and allowed a runner to advance.
Aaron Boone Defends Trent Grisham's Controversial Error Despite Fan Outrage
Boone admitted that the error "looked bad in the moment," but he attributed it to Grisham's unique approach to the game. "It's also the way Trent Grisham, a Gold Glover, plays center field, like that relaxed, easy nature," Boone explained. "Do I want him to square up to it and tackle it like you and I might in a side game? Not really. I want him to catch the ball and get it in and keep that guy off second base."
Boone emphasized Grisham's outstanding track record in center field, highlighting his ability to read plays, anticipate hits, and make quick decisions. "He has a track record of outstanding play out there," Boone said, "and that's kind of the way he does — kind of a slow heartbeat, motor and that when you're through it doesn't look great. I understand that."
Aaron Boone Defends Trent Grisham's Controversial Error Despite Fan Outrage
The manager's defense of Grisham did not sit well with some fans, who felt that such a costly error deserved more criticism. However, Boone reiterated his stance that Grisham's unique style of play contributed to his error. "It’s a bad look," Boone said Friday, "but, at the same time, one of the reasons he’s a Gold Glove center fielder is because of his heartbeat, the reads, the jumps, the ease with which he plays the position. So, you don’t want to lose that in there."
Boone emphasized that the team values hustle and effort, but acknowledged that certain players have their own distinct playing styles. "If Grish makes a mistake in the field or if Gleyber (Torres) makes a mistake in the field, the way they play the game, it’s not going to have a good look to it," Boone said. "It’s not going to look like you and me playing softball, where we’re going to take it off the chest and off the chin, but we suck."
Aaron Boone Defends Trent Grisham's Controversial Error Despite Fan Outrage
Boone reassured reporters that he had spoken to Grisham about the error, but that he had not lost faith in the outfielder's abilities. "Believe me, that lackadaisical look sometimes is what makes Trent Grisham a Gold Glove center fielder," Boone said. "He plays the game with an ease and a flow. Now, catch the ball. We don’t want that guy on second. And it gets magnified a little bit when we’re going through a spell like this."
Despite his recent struggles, Grisham remains in the starting lineup for the Yankees, as injuries have depleted the team's outfield depth. The Yankees will hope that Grisham can regain his form and help guide the team out of its current slump.
