Atlanta’s farm system has taken some big hits recently with the graduations of Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider. But before he was called up, Vaughn Grissom was keeping things afloat. He’s the only representative for the Braves in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects:
Without further ado..
Here is the NEW Top 100 Prospects list!https://t.co/maP4sHAkgQ pic.twitter.com/l816J6ZnJw
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 17, 2022
Grissom checks in at 79, but if he keeps hitting like he is at the Major League level, he won’t be a prospect much longer. Here’s what Pipeline had to say about the 21-year-old phenom:
In 2019, the main attraction at Hagerty High School in Florida was Riley Greene, who went No. 5 overall that June to the Tigers. Grissom was that school’s shortstop, and while he wasn’t as highly regarded, the Braves liked him enough to go over the $125K limit in the 11th round and sign him for $347,500. He’s rewarded their investment by hitting pretty much everywhere as a pro — from his summer debut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League to the alternate site, where he was one of the youngest players, to a full-season debut in 2021 in which he raked in A ball and earned a late promotion to High-A.
Grissom routinely displays outstanding bat-to-ball skills with a very good approach. He has a strong feel for the barrel from the right side of the plate, manages his at-bats well, draws walks and rarely strikes out. He’s short to the ball with relatively simple hitting mechanics and has solid bat speed. The Braves hope he’ll continue to fill out his 6-foot-3 frame and grow into more power as he matures.
As solid as Grissom has been at the plate, it’s been less clear where he might belong long-term defensively. He’s still seen more time at shortstop than any other position, but he’s also played a fair amount at third as well as a little at second. He has the arm to stay on the left side of the infield, where he’s more comfortable and while he doesn’t always have silky-smooth actions, he’s a solid defender. If he can’t play short, he might need to raise his power profile a bit to be a fit at the hot corner as a regular.
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Photographer:Â David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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