Craig Breslow Issues Performance Challenge To Young Red Sox Infielder

BOSTON -- Vaughn Grissom came to the Red Sox from the Atlanta Braves, in return for soon-to-be National League Cy Young award winner Chris Sale, with the intent to fill the team's long-time hole at second base.

Illnesses and injuries took that opportunity away from the young infielder in 2024. That's still a hole that he could fill for the Red Sox, but there's more internal competition from top prospect Kristian Campbell and external additions are always possible.

"Obviously, this was a tough year for Vaughn on the field," Breslow said. "He will be the first to acknowledge that. I also think it was a pretty invaluable development and growth year for him. We identified some talented work for him that he really embraced. Collectively, we moved the ball forward and in late September, in a small sample size, the player that I think he's capable of being."

Grissom played in just 31 games this season but put together a decent stretch in September, hitting. 333 with a .787 OPS in his final eight games for the Red Sox since being recalled from Triple-A Worcester. Breslow added that Grissom's chances to win the job are all about what happens on the field.

"He knows that it's performance on the field that will dictate who gets the reps at second base," Breslow said. "That's a fine spot to be."