Red Sox Infielder Brings Restored ‘Confidence’ To Spring Training

Vaugh Grissom struggled debuting as a member of the Boston Red Sox in 2024.

The 24-year-old joined the organization after Boston’s Chris Sale trade with the Atlanta Braves, with high hopes. Grissom had become the odd man out of Atlanta’s stacked roster and needed a landing spot that offered room for growth, meanwhile, the Red Sox needed a starting second baseman, making the match seemingly perfect.

Grissom’s campaign, however, wasn’t perfect. So the three-year veteran spent time this past offseason working to regain a repaired sense of confidence to join him as the Red Sox reconvened in Fort Myers, Fla., for spring training.

“It doesn’t matter who’s (at spring training) or what the situation is, I feel like I’m good for it,” Grissom said, per The Athletic’s Chad Jennings. “I’ve got my confidence back.”

Boston entered the offseason with a need for a right-handed bat and reliable infielder, and even with Grissom on the roster, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow explored the open market. The Red Sox signed two-time All-Star Alex Bregman, capable of playing third or second base, to a four-year, $120 million deal in free agency just before the team gathered at JetBlue Park and began camp.

This doesn’t impact the organization’s view on Grissom, who arrived at spring training noticeably stronger this go-around. However, it still means there’s plenty of work to do this spring and beyond for Grissom.

For now, even with a currently-crowded infield crew, Boston wants Grissom to remain focused on playing second base.

“I want him to concentrate on that position,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, per Jennings. “He did a good job putting himself in this spot now. You see him physically. He’s stronger and more explosive.”

Grissom suffered a left hamstring injury in spring training last year, which delayed his debut with the big-league club to May 3. He logged 31 appearances with the Red Sox, hitting .190/.246/.465 across 105 at-bats as the team leaned on its revolving door of second basemen amid its 84-84 regular season run. Grissom spent most of the time with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox, batting .259 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs.

So far, Grissom’s put in the work. He’s restored, rejuvenated, and with the right attitude.

Boston, unlike in recent years, has an overflow of depth on all fronts. Whether it’s starting pitching, relief pitching, the infield or the outfield, the Red Sox have options, including a slew of prospects — Kristian Campbell, Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer.

So while everyone, including Grissom, is back with something to prove, there are still a handful of tough decisions to be made in the coming weeks by Cora and company, before the Red Sox officially take the field on Opening Day.