Braves: Ron Washington compares Vaughn Grissom to MLB greats at shortstop

Atlanta Braves coach Ron Washington has worked with Vaughn Grissom all offseason, and he likes what he sees.

Replacing an All-Star like Dansby Swanson is no easy task, and Atlanta is far from putting all of its eggs in Vaughn Grissom’s basket. But for now, the 22-year-old will enter spring training with a chance to challenge for the starting shortstop position.

Grissom is a born shortstop, but he is tall and lanky for this position. His work with Ron Washington this season, however, suggests he could make the transition with ease. Grissom also has experience at second base and, if called, could move to the outfield.

Asked about their training sessions, Washington suggested that Grissom has made a lot of progress, although he still has room to grow.

 » The growth. I see things that I didn’t see before, » Washington said on Grant McAuley’s podcast. “He really, really, really wants it, and he took the time to deserve it. I think the fans just have to be patient. »

Braves: Ron Washington remains confident in Vaughn Grissom

Washington explained that the majority of his work with Grissom focused on footwork and defensive abilities. Very few of the shortstops Washington has worked with in the past have improved immediately, but Grissom is different in that regard. He made immediate progress.

Grissom was forced to play second base last season due to Ozzie Albies’ injury. As Washington said, « he was trying to survive. » Grissom did this, staying in the lineup primarily through his bat.

“He has abilities that I think can allow him to become a Premier League shortstop. Now, is this going to happen overnight? It didn’t happen overnight with Dansby. It didn’t happen overnight with Marcus Semien. It didn’t happen overnight with Miguel Tejada…and all those names I just mentioned are great players,” Washington said. “But I like the growth and I like the attitude. I like his commitment and his work ethic. He will be a different guy”.

If Washington is right, Grissom could be a replacement for Swanson at the end of the 2023 season.