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Red Sox Predicted to Trade Infielder From Infamous Chris Sale Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated May 21, 2025 12:15 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox have plenty of players that they could use in deals ahead of the MLB trade deadline. With needs in the starting rotation, bullpen, and at first base, the Red Sox will likely be involved in the trade market.

According to Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report, the Red Sox's most likely trade piece is infielder Vaughn Grissom. The former Atlanta Braves infielder was acquired when the Red Sox sent ace Chris Sale to the Braves in a now-infamous deal.

"For starters, there's not going to be room for him to play in Boston's infield again any time soon, and his free agency clock is already ticking," Miller wrote. "There's also the fact that he will be forever tainted as the guy they gave up Chris Sale to get, which somehow becomes even more painful if he just never makes it back to the big leagues."

Moving off Grissom wouldn't be a surprising move for the Red Sox. With a crowded infield at the major league level, Grissom has a tougher path to the majors for Boston.

Grissom is primarily playing second base in the minor leagues but has also logged multiple games at shortstop and third base.

However, he doesn't have a clear path to playing time in Boston, as the Red Sox have established starters and depth at each of those positions. Given the team’s needs in other areas, Grissom could be a movable asset.

In Triple-A, Grissom is batting .260 across 154 at-bats in 39 games. He has 40 hits, 29 runs, 10 doubles, 3 home runs, 16 RBI, 14 walks, and 33 strikeouts. Grissom's OPS is .718, over .100 points lower than his career Minor League OPS of .853.

While Grissom isn't tearing it up in the minors, he's shown he can be a solid contributor in the major leagues. With the Braves in 2022 and 2023, Grissom has an OPS of .793 and .660, respectively.

The Red Sox need starting pitching, bullpen help, and a new first baseman. While Grissom may not net a huge return for Boston, he could be a key piece in acquiring a player at one of those positions.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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