Atlanta Braves: 5 Prospects who are Rising due to 2021 Seasons
By Matt Melton
2. SS Vaughn Grissom – Atlanta Braves No. 13 Prospect
2021 Season Stats: .320 AVG, .415 OBP, .472 SLG, .887 OPS, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 15 SB
One Atlanta Braves prospect that has quietly had arguably the best season of all is infielder Vaughn Grissom.
A former 11th round pick by Atlanta in the 2019 MLB Draft, Grissom entered the 2021 campaign coming off an impressive first showing with the GCL Braves back in 2019, as well as impressing at the Braves training site last season. Currently Atlanta’s No. 13 prospect, Grissom has continued his impressive play from game one this season.
Beginning the year with Low-A Augusta, Grissom spent a majority of the season with the GreenJackets where he slashed .311/.402/.446 with five home runs, 33 RBI’s, and 13 stolen bases across 75 games. Dominating Low-A pitching in the process, the 20-year-old would recently earn a call-up to High-A Rome where he currently is.
Since joining Rome, Grissom has appeared in seven games so far where he has slashed .435/.538/.783 with two home runs and nine RBI’s across 23 at-bat’s.
A versatile defender who has experience at almost every infield position, Grissom is vastly emerging as one of the Braves top prospects ranked outside of the Top 10. However, after showcasing some impressive all-around tools this season, Grissom may find himself rise into Atlanta’s Top 10 prospects in the very-near future.
With an ETA of either 2023 or 2024, Grissom is still a couple years away from the big leagues, but his 2021 season is showing that the 20-year-old is making his case to be one of Atlanta’s top infield prospects going into next season.