Red Sox Prepare to Part Ways with Vaughn Grissom
The Boston Red Sox are facing a pivotal moment as they look to reshape their roster this winter. With a full 40-man roster, the team is poised to make additions rather than subtractions, which puts several players in a precarious position. Among those on borrowed time is second baseman Vaughn Grissom, who finds himself in jeopardy as the offseason unfolds.
Roster Decisions Loom
As the Red Sox aim to enhance their lineup through trades and free agency, players who fail to project as significant contributors at the major league level are prime candidates for a shakeup. Grissom, in particular, appears to be on the chopping block. Christopher Smith recently suggested that the chances of Grissom remaining on the 40-man roster are slim, with the possibility of him being designated for assignment (DFA) looming as the team makes moves.
Should Grissom be DFA’d and clear waivers, there remains a slim chance he could stay within the organization, likely assigned to Triple-A. However, the question remains: does he still hold any trade value? At 25 years old, Grissom’s status has diminished significantly, positioning him as a fringe player on a roster that is increasingly competitive.
A Disappointing Return
The Red Sox acquired Grissom as the sole return in the much-discussed trade that sent Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves. While Sale has gone on to earn accolades, including a Cy Young Award, Grissom’s performance has not matched that of his predecessor. With a negative-0.2 bWAR to his name, his contributions have fallen short of expectations.
As the organization evaluates its depth charts, Grissom has been eclipsed by other emerging players, notably Kristian Campbell, who has made a stronger case for inclusion on the major league roster. The Red Sox, recognizing the need to optimize their assets, may seek to trade Grissom while they can still salvage something from the Sale deal.
The Path Forward
The fate of Vaughn Grissom underscores a broader theme within the Red Sox’s upcoming offseason strategy. With the potential for roster alterations on the horizon, the team must make critical decisions about its depth and future direction. The recent movements in the league, where similar players like Cam Booser, Chase Shugart, and Mickey Gasper were traded in one-for-one swaps, provide a glimmer of hope that Grissom could also find a new opportunity elsewhere.
As the Red Sox navigate this winter of change, the focus will be on maximizing their roster potential while making difficult choices about players who may no longer fit into their long-term plans. The clock is ticking for Grissom, and the next few weeks could determine his fate within the organization.
