Red Sox Shopping Vaughn Grissom as Boston Eyes Postseason Push

By Oliver Wiener June 12, 2025 09:39

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly exploring trade options involving infielder Vaughn Grissom as the team eyes a strong push for the 2025 postseason. Grissom, a 24-year-old second baseman and shortstop, arrived in Boston via the December 2023 trade that sent Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves. Once viewed as a promising cornerstone for Boston’s infield, Grissom’s trajectory has been complicated by injuries and the recent acquisition of star infielder Alex Bregman.

Grissom’s early tenure with the Red Sox has been a mixed bag. After a delayed start to the 2024 season due to a left hamstring injury sustained in spring training, he made his Boston debut on May 3. However, his offensive numbers struggled to meet expectations, slashing just .190/.246/.219 with six RBIs and two stolen bases across 31 appearances. Much of his time was spent with Triple-A Worcester, where he posted a more respectable .259 average with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs.

Despite these setbacks, Grissom has shown signs of growth and maturity. In interviews, he has emphasized a more disciplined approach at the plate, focusing on “hunting zones” where he can do the most damage rather than trying to cover the entire strike zone. “I would say that now that I’ve grown up a little and figured out how to stay on all pitches... you have to pick a zone, you got to know where your strengths are and die there,” Grissom explained, highlighting his evolving baseball IQ and adaptability.

Grissom’s versatility is another asset. He has worked out at multiple positions for the Worcester Red Sox, embracing a utility role that could increase his value to the team or potential trade partners. “I’ve always saw myself as a ball player... there’s nothing like having someone on your team that is a Swiss Army knife,” he said, reflecting a willingness to adapt for the good of the team.

However, the signing of Alex Bregman to a four-year, $120 million deal has cast uncertainty over Grissom’s future with Boston. Bregman’s presence at second base and third base limits Grissom’s opportunities, and MLB analyst Sean McAdam recently described Grissom as “the big loser here,” noting that a year ago he was seen as the second baseman of the future for the Red Sox. Injuries and Bregman’s arrival have made it “hard to see what future he has with this organization”.

Boston’s front office, led by Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, has been open to exploring trades to bolster the roster for a playoff run. Grissom, with his youth, defensive flexibility, and raw tools, could be a valuable piece in a deal to address other needs, such as pitching or outfield depth. The Red Sox’s crowded infield situation, combined with Grissom’s uneven MLB performance, makes him a logical candidate for trade discussions as the team looks to maximize its postseason potential.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora has publicly supported Grissom’s development, praising his physical progress and encouraging him to focus on second base. “He did a good job putting himself in this spot now. You see him physically. He’s stronger and more explosive,” Cora said earlier this year. Yet, with Bregman entrenched and other infield options available, the organization’s patience may be limited.

In summary, Vaughn Grissom’s tenure with the Boston Red Sox is at a crossroads. While his talent and versatility remain undeniable, injuries and roster moves have diminished his role. As the Red Sox pursue a postseason push in 2025, trading Grissom could provide the team with the flexibility and assets needed to strengthen their roster. For Grissom, a fresh start elsewhere may offer the best path to realizing his considerable potential in Major League Baseball.