The Boston Red Sox's trade of Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for infielder Vaughn Grissom was one of the team's biggest moves last offseason.
It didn't go exactly as planned, as Grissom spent much of the year injured and in Triple-A as Sale netted the National League pitching Triple Crown. In 2025, though, the Red Sox expect Grissom to be healthy, adjusted and ready to perform.
Sean McAdam of MassLive (subscription required) reported on Jan. 3 that Grissom is the "nominal favorite" for the starting job at second base. This report has more than a few implications — good and bad — on Boston's infield outlook for next season.
The Red Sox clearly believe in Grissom enough to give him another shot at second in the big leagues. The 23-year-old's slow year was marked by injuries and a poor adjustment the change of scenery from Atlanta to Boston. Grissom batted just .190/.246/.219 over 31 games in the major leagues last season but began to hit his stride in September. The righty was called up for the final eight games of the slate and batted .333/.370/.417 to give the Sox's offense some life at the end of their Wild Card chase.
Despite his progress, McAdam characterized Grissom's starting job as "hardly a sure thing." He listed David Hamilton and Kristian Campbell as potential fallback options, but Grissom being a favorite for the starting job could mean Campbell begins his season in the minor leagues. The 22-year-old only played 19 games at Triple-A last year, but Boston fans are clamoring to see the 2024 Minor League Player of the Year at the big league level.
MLB Notebook: Taking a look at Red Sox’ (dwindling) options for righty bat https://t.co/FLUuvHlzEn
— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) January 3, 2025
Vaughn Grissom may be the Red Sox's solution to their righty bat needs
The Red Sox naming Grissom as the likely starting second baseman also spells disaster for their pursuit of Alex Bregman or another righty bat. Bregman is a third baseman by trade — and a Gold Glove defender there — but said he'd be willing to switch positions with a new club. Boston said it eyed Bregman as a potential option at second base, but recent rumors and a stalling market suggest it may no longer be in the running to sign him.
The Grissom decision doesn't completely kill any chance of a new righty bat in the Sox's lineup by Opening Day. Boston could still target a right-handed outfielder, like Anthony Santander or Randal Grichuk, or acquire someone else via trade.
If the Red Sox do decide to place Grissom at second base on Opening Day and beyond, he could still live up to the hype from the Sale trade. He batted .287/.339/.407 over 64 games in the majors with Atlanta, and that kind of production would be a great addition to the Sox's lineup.
Still, fans can't help but wonder why the team hasn't spent to add the help it needs. Teoscar Hernández signed with the Dodgers for a perfectly reasonable price and the Orioles signed last year's Red Sox home run leader Tyler O'Neill to a contract Boston could've matched or exceeded while remaining under the luxury tax.