Michael Kay questions Yankees’ strategy: ‘There is such a thing as a bad one-year contract’

Michael Kay isn’t buying the idea that all one-year deals are low-risk.

The Yankees broadcaster questioned the logic behind tendering Trent Grisham a qualifying offer, calling the move an example of how a “bad one-year contract” can still hurt a team’s flexibility.

After pointing out that the Yankees already have a left-handed-heavy lineup, he lambasted the idea that “there’s no such thing as a bad one-year contract.”

“Yes, there is. If you’re grossly overpaying for a player, that means that’s money you can’t spend somewhere else. It’s not an unlimited budget,” Kay said in a more-than-2-minute-long rant on Friday, via Apple Podcasts. “So there is such a thing as a bad one-year contract if it inhibits you from doing other things (for) that said year.

“I know you’re out from under it in one year, but why would you grossly overpay somebody for one year at the risk of what, to get a fourth round draft pick? I don’t know. And then if you get (Cody) Bellinger or (Kyle) Tucker, then (Jasson) Dominguez is a non-player, and Spencer Jones is a non-player. Maybe you’re going to use them in trades … for Sandy Alcantara? Maybe you make a run at Tarik Skubal? Don’t know what their plan is.”

Grisham has until 4 p.m. EST on Nov. 18 to accept the qualifying offer and remain a Yankee with a $17.025 raise from his $5 million 2024 salary.

If Grisham rejects the offer, he’ll see what he can get as a free agent. Spotrac projects his value at four years for $47.6 million.

Grisham, 29, followed a poor first season with the Yankees in 2024 with a career-best 2025. In 143 games, 124 as a starter in center field, Grisham hit .235 with 34 homers, 74 RBI and an .811 OPS, usually hitting leadoff. However, his 137 strikeouts in 581 plate appearances are a high 23.6 K rate, and his defensive metrics were below average.