Does Vaughn Grissom make Atlanta's postseason roster?

Atlanta Braves infielder Vaughn Grissom is an easy player to root for.

With an electric smile and a youthful enthusiasm, he seized the attention of Braves fans when he was promoted last season to fill in for an injured Ozzie Albies at 2nd base.

But after an offseason of dedicated defensive work at his native shortstop, including multiple trips to New Orleans to work with Braves third base coach and noted defensive guru Ron Washington, Grissom left spring training assigned to AAA Gwinnett with Orlando Arcia serving as Atlanta's primary shortstop.

Grissom got another chance to show what he could do when Arcia fractured his wrist in April, but the defensive inconsistencies lingered and Atlanta not only shifted starts to Ehire Adrianza and fellow prospect Braden Shewmake until Orlando Arcia returned, they even went and acquired utilityman (and defensive whiz) Nicky Lopez at the trade deadline.

But after a season for the ages in Gwinnett for Grissom, might he make the roster for the postseason? Let's examine the case for each of the candidates for that last bench spot.

Vaughn Grissom

2023 (MLB): 23G, .280/.313/.347 w/ 0 HRs, 4 XBH, 2 BB to 15 Ks, 0/1 SBs
2023 (AAA): 102G, .330/.419/.501 w/ 8 HRs, 48 XBH, 56 BBs to 66 Ks, 13/15 SBs

Grissom is the most accomplished offensive player on this list, having held his own at the plate in this season's small sample while Orlando Arcia was out with a micro-fractured wrist. He would give Atlanta a quality pinch-hitting option late in games, even if his major league homer power hasn't quite come in yet.

The question with Grissom is defense - of the three candidates, he's the least polished. He hasn't looked great in his major league time at shortstop, and hasn't played anywhere but there and 2nd base. But with Nicky Lopez a lock to make the postseason roster as your primary defensive backup in the infield, Grissom's weakness is mitigated somewhat on the roster.

Luke Williams

2023 (ATL): 6G, 0-6, 1R, 2Ks, 2/2 SBs
2023 (AAA): 48G, .251/.343/.396 w/ 6 HRs, 13 XBH, 26 BBs to 42 Ks, 17/21 SBs

Claimed by Atlanta off of waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers in June, Williams spent more than a month on the major league roster without playing in a game. He's played every infield and outfield position at the major league level in his three season career, but is primarily a corner infielder and corner outfielder.

He got a start on Sunday in game one of the doubleheader at third base, and has been the "backup" pinch running option when Atlanta's already used Forrest Wall.

He's a very well rounded backup, with the ability to give you capable (if unspectacular) offense from the bottom of the lineup and acceptable defense at just any place you put him on the diamond.

Charlie Culberson

2023 (MLB): 1-1, 2B
2023 (AAA): 27G, .204/.234/.255 w/ 1 HR, 3 XBH, 5 BB to 35 Ks, 3/4 SBs

"Charlie Clutch" will always be loved for what he did during his first stint in Atlanta back in 2018 & 2019.

But since returning to the organization this year, Atlanta's been content to leave him on the major league bench (he once spent over a month in the bigs without appearing in a single game) or letting him sit in Gwinnett - he's been with the Stripers since August and has only appeared as a pitcher, with 2.2 innings on his ledger (six hits, two runs, four strikeouts).

He brings the veteran leadership and experience, but at this point in his career, it doesn't feel like Atlanta is buying the ability of 34 year-old Charlie Culberson to contribute at the major league level.

So what's the decision?

If it's me, Grissom's the choice for the postseason roster. Luke Williams gives you some of everything, which is a very useful thing to have on your bench in the regular season.

But the postseason's a time for specialists. Forrest Wall is your designated pinch runner, Nicky Lopez is your designated defensive replacement, and Vaughn Grissom feels like he fits as your designated offensive replacement option on the bench.

Will he be the first option to pinch hit? Perhaps not, depending on who it's for - Kevin Pillar is a common pinch-hitting option for Eddie Rosario because he can stay in the game in left field. But if Atlanta doesn't want to use whichever catcher isn't starting or Pillar in a pinch-hitting scenario, Grissom feels like he'd be the choice. He should get that last bench spot.

However, Luke Williams does gives you a deeper bench - he can cover defensively or in a pinch-running capacity if needed (Grissom isn't a plus runner). If Atlanta sticks with Williams, it'd make sense from a pure roster construction standpoint.

Check out Braves Today on Socials!
Follow Braves Today on Twitter!
Like Braves Today on Facebook!
Check out the homepage for more Atlanta Braves News!
Subscribe to Braves Today on YouTube!
Get Exclusive Braves Merchandise from FOCO