The Boston Red Sox’s trade of Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves for infielder Vaughn Grissom was a bold offseason move, but it didn’t unfold as the team had hoped. While Sale thrived in Atlanta, capturing the National League pitching Triple Crown, Grissom struggled through injuries and spent much of the 2024 season in Triple-A. However, the Red Sox are optimistic about Grissom’s potential for a rebound in 2025.
According to Sean McAdam of MassLive, Grissom is the “nominal favorite” to take over as Boston’s starting second baseman. This confidence signals the team’s belief in the 23-year-old despite his struggles adjusting to the move from Atlanta to Boston. Last season, Grissom managed a disappointing .190/.246/.219 slash line in 31 MLB games, though he showed promise in September. During his late-season call-up, Grissom slashed .333/.370/.417 over eight games, providing a spark to the Red Sox offense during their Wild Card chase.
Still, Grissom’s grip on the starting role is far from secure. McAdam noted that both David Hamilton and Kristian Campbell could challenge for the job. Campbell, in particular, is an exciting option. At 22, he was named the 2024 Minor League Player of the Year but has limited experience at Triple-A, with just 19 games at that level. If Grissom claims the starting spot, Campbell could begin the year in the minors, where he can continue to develop.
Boston’s approach reflects a mix of caution and optimism. While Grissom’s September surge gives reason for hope, the team’s fallback options in Hamilton and Campbell underscore the uncertainty surrounding his ability to lock down the position. For now, the Red Sox are giving Grissom another opportunity to prove he belongs in the majors, banking on his talent and resilience to bounce back in 2025.
The Red Sox naming Vaughn Grissom as the likely Opening Day second baseman carries ripple effects beyond the infield, potentially signaling the end of their pursuit of Alex Bregman or another high-profile right-handed bat. While Bregman, a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, had expressed willingness to switch positions for a new team, Boston’s decision to stick with Grissom suggests they may no longer be in contention to sign him. Stalling negotiations and market rumors further reinforce the notion that Bregman is unlikely to land in Boston.
This decision doesn’t completely shut the door on adding a right-handed bat to the lineup. The Red Sox could pivot to outfield options like Anthony Santander or Randal Grichuk, or explore trade opportunities to address their offensive needs. Still, the choice to stick with Grissom reflects their confidence in his ability to replicate his 2023 Atlanta production, where he hit .287/.339/.407 over 64 games—a level of performance that would greatly benefit Boston’s lineup if sustained.
However, the lack of aggressive spending this offseason has left many fans frustrated. Moves like Teoscar Hernández signing with the Dodgers for a reasonable price or the Orioles inking last year’s Red Sox home run leader, Tyler O’Neill, to a deal Boston could have easily matched, highlight opportunities the team seemingly passed up.
While Grissom may still live up to his potential and justify Boston’s faith in him, fans are left questioning whether the Red Sox have done enough to bolster the roster and position themselves as contenders for 2025. With other teams making impactful moves, the pressure is on Grissom and the rest of the current roster to prove the front office made the right calls this offseason.
