Why Vaughn Grissom Could Be A Bright Spot In Boston
Via @RedSox on X
On December 30th the Boston Red Sox made a blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Braves. In this trade the Red Sox sent LHP Chris Sale to the Braves in exchange for infielder Vaughn Grissom. This trade works well for both sides. The Braves are able to slot an aging Chris Sale in a less ace like role while the Sox get a consistent face at second base. Red Sox fans know good and well there hasn’t been a constant at second since 2x World Series champ Dustin Pedroia.
Grissom who debuted at Fenway on August 10th, 2022, will be under the Red Sox team control until 2029. Being 23 years old Grissom can grow with the young core the Sox have. Now Grissom still has a lot to prove but I believe he will be a good fit in Boston. Losing his job to Orlando Arcia in 2023 many had doubts he could be an everyday shortstop. Luckily for the Red Sox they have a plus defender in Trevor Story at shortstop. Therefore Grissom, who has a weaker arm, can flourish at second. Now Grissom still needs to prove himself at the plate but he has great bat to ball skills. In his short big league at bats Grissom owns a .287/.339/.407 good for a .746 OPS (On-base Plus Slugging). In addition to a 5.5% walk rate compared to a 20.8% strikeout rate. He will be a great hitter especially once he gets to use the Green Monster to his advantage. Furthermore, last year Grissom was one of the minors best hitters. Boasting a .330/.419/.501 good for a .920 OPS in a historically bad hitters park Gwinnett. The Red Sox have found their opening day second baseman and Vaughn Grissom should pair well with the young core that will be on full display in another down year in Boston.