Young Infielder Staying ‘Optimistic’ About Uncertain Red Sox Future

The Boston Red Sox saw Vaughn Grissom as part of their long-term plans when they traded Chris Sale for the middle infielder last offseason.

But that might not be the case anymore.

Grissom is far down the depth chart at second base, being surpassed by top prospect Kristian Campbell, who got the start on Opening Day, and David Hamilton. It led to Grissom beginning this season with Triple-A Worcester.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora indicated when Grissom got sent down last week that Grissom’s next opportunity in the big leagues might not come with Boston. Grissom understands that is out of his control, but the 24-year-old still feels there’s a path for him to make an impact with the Red Sox.

“I’m optimistic about my future here,” Grissom told reporters at Worcester’s media day Thursday at Polar Park, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “But the only thing I can do is play each inning, play each pitch as a new one and play hard. And if whoever makes decisions makes a decision that’s in my favor, it’s good. And if not, then yeah, maybe there’s a home elsewhere. But I don’t really think about that. And that’s it.”

Grissom struggled mightily in his first season with the Red Sox. He dealt with hamstring injuries and played just 31 games in the majors, batting .190 with no home runs and six RBIs.

While Cora endorsed Grissom’s offseason work, Grissom didn’t inspire much confidence with his play during the exhibition slate. Grissom slashed just .176/.300/.535 in 34 at-bats in spring training.

A position change might be required for Grissom to rejoin the Red Sox this season. Grissom told reporters that hasn’t been a topic of conversation yet between him and the organization. But it could definitely be on his radar since Grissom got some work in at first base Thursday.

“I want to get better at every aspect of the game so I can help any team that I’m on win,” Grissom said. “So yeah, trying to get that grip back or whatever. I did miss a little bit of time last year. So once I got rolling last year, the season was over. So can’t wait to get back to that spot this year.”