Vaughn Grissom entered spring training 2025 surrounded by a combination of expectations and praise.
Grissom's first year in the Boston Red Sox organization was mostly lost due to injuries that either kept him on the bench or rehabbing in the minor leagues. The infielder didn't bounce back well, and he batted .259/.385/.373 over 55 games in Triple-A and just .190/.246/.219 in 31 major league games.
Boston fans hoped the 24-year-old would rebound and come back better this winter, and some compliments from Alex Cora made it seem possible. He praised Grissom for packing on weight and working hard to make the team.
But he'll begin the 2025 season in Triple-A with the WooSox after he failed to impress in spring training. Grissom batted .176/.300/.235 with six strikeouts and six walks over 13 games in the Grapefruit League. Kristian Campbell was given the starting second base job for which Grissom was also in the running despite not performing much better in big league spring training.
Vaughn Grissom stays positive despite missing Red Sox roster out of spring training
Despite Grissom looking down the barrel at another season in the minor leagues with Boston's middle infield logjam as backed up as it is, he's remained positive about his situation. He explained his attitude to Christopher Smith of MassLive.
“I’m optimistic about my future here,” Grissom said. “But the only thing I can do is play each inning, play each pitch as a new one and play hard. And if whoever makes decisions makes a decision that’s in my favor, it’s good. And if not, then yeah, maybe there’s a home elsewhere. But I don’t really think about that. And that’s it.”
ICYMI Red Sox’ Vaughn Grissom on his situation: ‘I’m optimistic about my future here’ https://t.co/ki8yHi61Q1
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) March 27, 2025
Grissom's positive attitude is admirable. He was put into quite a pickle when the Red Sox traded Chris Sale to the Braves for him, fully well knowing they had a slew of middle infield prospects coming up through the minor leagues. Boston signing Alex Bregman this winter only made its infield traffic jam worse.
Grissom is trying to increase his versatility to break onto Boston's roster elsewhere besides the middle infield. Video has surfaced of him taking reps at first base, which could be his most effective path to the majors, since the Sox have next to no MLB-ready first base depth who could take over in the event of an injury or other absence for Triston Casas.
If Grissom starts the season off hot and Campbell struggles in the big leagues, he could get the call up to try and prove himself on the biggest stage again. Even if he doesn't, he could play his way into a trade to another organization where his bath to the big leagues is clearer.