The Red Sox Latest Trade Acquisition Is Likely to Miss Opening Day

Vaughn Grissom Suffers Groin Strain, Doubful for Opening Day

Grissom worked on the field in the first few weeks of spring training. He hasn’t seen any Grapefruit League action due to a prior hamstring problem. Between both injuries, it’s been a less-than-ideal first spring camp for Grissom and his new team. He will likely start the season on the 10-day injured list, as he will need time to get healthy and get some work in. The Red Sox’s acquisition of Grissom was the team’s most headline-attention move. Boston traded Chris Sale and $17 million to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Grissom.

Grissom Profile

Boston landing Grissom means he will be the long-term answer at second base. The position had been both a rotation of players and a weakness for the Red Sox. However, the Red Sox believe that second base will be covered for the rest of the decade as Grissom is on team control through the 2029 season. Grissom has seen a quick rise to the majors since Atlanta selected him as an 11th-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft.

The Braves are notorious for promoting certain prospects who they feel can provide immediate help at the big league level. Grissom’s strong numbers in the minors earned him a 41-game promotion with Atlanta in 2022. He hit .291/.353/.440 over 156 plate appearances.

No Room for Grissom in the Lineup

The impressive start to Grissom’s big league career saw him earn a larger role. He was in line to be the everyday shortstop in 2023, but that role went to Orlando Arcia, leaving Grissom to spend most of last season at Triple-A Gwinnett. Grissom continued to play well in the minors, he had only 80 plate appearances while hitting .280/.313/.347 in the majors. The Braves prioritized regular playing time in the minors due to the durability of Arcia and mostly every member of Atlant’s lineup.