The Los Angeles Angels remained active in the trade market, completing a low-level deal that brings second baseman Vaughn Grissom to Anaheim in return for minor league outfielder Isaiah Jackson, who was an eighth-round draft back for the Angels this year, with the trade reported by Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.
Roster space is a key component in this deal for Boston. The Red Sox needed to clear roster space after their recent deal for Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Johan Oviedo, and Jackson won’t take up a spot.
Grissom’s story is more complicated. He was acquired by Boston as part of the deal that sent Red Sox starter Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves, where Sale has turned around his career and won yet another Cy Young Award after struggling to stay healthy in Boston
Grissom was added to the middle infield mix in Boston, but he struggled offensively. He hit just .190 with only six at-bats in just over 100 at-bats for the Red Sox, and both the fan base and manager Alex Cora turned on him very quickly. Grissom is a competent second baseman, and in theory he can play shortstop as well, but his lack of range may have been an issue for Boston as well.
For the Angels, Grissom represents a worthwhile flyer. His Triple A numbers at Worcester were actually pretty good, and the Angels have a big hole to fill there. The 24-year old Grisson slashed .270/.342/.441 this year, with 13 home runs, 48 RBIs 69 runs and nine stolen bases in just over 400 plate appearances. There's something to work with here, and Grissom projects as a classic "change-of-scenery" player.
The Angels are currently relying on prospect Christian Moore and utility infielder Oswaldo Peraza at second, and Moore especially has been a strikeout waiting to happen. That may change now that hitting coach Johnny Washington has been replaced by Brady Anderson, but Grissom should get a legitimate chance to compete for the starting job at second. Grissom could also provide depth behind shortstop Zach Neto if he can show out in spring training, but his one downside is that Grissom is out of options.
There are two possible scenarios here: If Grissom struggles with the Angels, he ends up as a backup or a depth piece at Triple A Salt Lake. If he shows out in spring training, however, he could become a legitimate starter, in which case this deal would end up being a steal for the Angels.