Some players are classic “change of scenery” guys, and the Los Angeles Angels are hoping that’s the case with infielder Vaughn Grissom. The Angels acquired the second baseman from the Boston Red Sox in what was considered a minor deal during this week’s winter meetings, with the Angels giving up minor league outfielder Isaiah Jackson in the deal.
Grissom met his new bosses in Orlando this week as the witer meetings wrapped up yesterday, and he discussed his situation with Tim Healey of the Boston Globe.
“As much as I wanted it to work out in Boston, it just wasn’t the reality. And I’m happy for my opportunity with the Angels,” he said. “I learned a lot, which was cool. I learned a lot about myself. But I’m definitely happy to be on my way to the Angels.”
Grissom has had a lot happen in his brief career, but he’s still just 24 years old. He was sent to Boston by the Atlanta Braves in the trade for pitcher Chris Sale, and he hit just .190 for the Red Sox in 2024.
The fan base wanted at least a middle-infield starter in the Sale deal, but Grissom got buried in the minors after that. He slashed .270/.342/.441 at Triple A Worcester this year and played all four infield spots, although he did miss the last month of the season with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, but Grissom said the injury is “turning the corner,” according to Healey.
Grissom described moving on as “bittersweet,” but he says he also learned a lot about himself as a player with Boston. The Red Sox have gained a reputation as one of the most analytics-drive organizations in baseball, and at times it was clear that Grissom was being pulled in multiple directions with the approach Boston wanted him to take.
“Who I am as a player, who I think I need to be to be successful,” he said. “It’s easy to lose yourself in this game, and everyone’s asking for all these different things to do. So just find yourself and stick to what works for you.”
If Grissom can find what works for him, he’ll get plenty of playing time in Anaheim. This move reunites him with Angels GM Perry Minasian, and both Grissom and Minasian have roots in the Atlanta Braves organization. The Angels have a hole at second, and there may also be a utility spot to be claimed if Grissom can apply his newfound versatility.