It's safe to say most Boston Red Sox fans hoped for more from Vaughn Grissom this season. The young infielder, acquired in the Chris Sale trade in December, has spent most of his season injured or in Triple-A.
Even in Worcester, Grissom struggled to live up to his hype. Before he was traded to the Red Sox organization, he was a career .320/.407/.477 hitter over four seasons in the minor leagues. He's posted a .262/.385/.390 slash line with Worcester.
In September, though, Grissom's fortunes seem to be changing for the better. The 23-year-old has mashed three home runs this month, including a two-homer evening on Sept. 11. He's slashing .423/.595/.808 through nine games in September, his hottest streak of the year.
While it may be too late to call Grissom up to assist the Red Sox in their Wild Card chase, the infielder's progress at the plate is promising. He's been a successful hitter everywhere he played in the Braves organization, including the major leagues.
Red Sox infielder Vaughn Grissom is on a tear for the WooSox in September
2 at bats, 2 homers 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/GB0vX3pQ6p
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) September 11, 2024
Grissom posted 64 games in the big leagues with the Braves and batted .287/.339/.407 with his former club. He's proven he can hit at every level, and his first major league homer came at Fenway Park, his new home for years to come. Based on his track record, his bat should play well for the Red Sox when he's fully healthy, and it certainly seems like he is now.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale recently named the Sale-Grissom trade the second-worst trade the Sox have ever made — only the Babe Ruth deal ranks ahead, in his eyes. Grissom must've taken that personally. His September offense is more aligned with that of the player Boston expected to get from the Sale trade. If he can pick up where his September began next season, he'll be a great fit at second base for the Sox.
Maybe he won't have to wait for next season, though. The Red Sox are 4.5 games out of the third Wild Card spot with 15 games to go. Grissom would benefit from extra MLB experience before the 2025 slate if Boston's playoff chase goes awry.