4. Vaughn Grissom, 2B
After a disappointing Spring campaign and the announcement of Kristian Campbell making the Opening Day roster, the final candidate to depart Boston this year is the 24-year-old Vaughn Grissom.
Over the first two seasons of his career, Grissom showed flashes with the Braves. As a rookie, Grissom tallied 5 home runs and 18 RBIs while slashing .291/.353/.440 over 141 at-bats.
In year two, Grissom slashed .280/.313/.347 with 9 RBIs in nearly half (75) of the at bats.
Since Boston traded their longtime ace Chris Sale to the Braves for Grissom, the deal has become a disaster over the past year for the Red Sox. Last season, Sale won the NL Cy Young with the Braves, posting an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts.
As Sale still proves to be an ace, Grissom is still trying to find his footing in the league after a disappointing Spring training. The Red Sox recently announced Kristian Campbell would be the Opening Day second basemen, ultimately beating out Grissom and David Hamilton.
Interesting quote by Alex Cora on Vaughn Grissom.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) March 20, 2025
“He did everything possible in the offseason. He killed it. We asked him to show up at 220, he showed up at 221. He turned the double play well. There’s a few things that we talked about that I think he can do better defensively.…
Given the confidence the Red Sox have in Campbell and how Alex Cora views David Hamilton as a fit for the Red Sox style of baseball, the second base position will likely be manned by those two throughout the season, as Grissom was optioned to Triple-A Worcester to start the season.
A change of scenery may be needed for Grissom, who just hasn't been the same player since a stomach flu forced him to lose 14 pounds last Spring Training. Grissom also suffered a hamstring injury last June that kept him out of the Red Sox lineup until September.
The Red Sox's future at second base seems to be set, as Boston could look to trade Grissom this year as he is still only 24.
After finishing up a two-game exhibition series in Mexico against the Monterrey Sultanes on Tuesday, real baseball is just one day away. Garrett Crochet will be the starter for Game 1 against the Rangers, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:05 pm on Thursday.