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.
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"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."
Featured image via Bob DeChiara/Imagn Images
