Braves news: Brian Snitker stops latest Vaughn Grissom rumor in its tracks

The Atlanta Braves lost Dansby Swanson earlier this offseason, and change is coming to Truist Park. But will it be Vaughn Grissom, or Orlando Arcia?

Replacing Dansby Swanson will not be easy — the former No. 1 overall pick had his best offensive season, and offered stable defensive play at a premium position. Yet, Alex Anthopoulos did not match the Cubs offer to Swanson, banking on a regression to the norm.

Anthopoulos has been proven right on more than one occasion. With that in mind, who will be Swanson’s replacement at the shortstop position?

Vaughn Grissom was the immediate thought, as the 21-year-old had an impressive first stint in the major leagues, and has shown the range to man the position. Some offseason work with Ron Washington only increased his confidence. Yet, the team may have other plans for Grissom, who could slide in at another position of need.

Braves writer proposes Vaughn Grissom in left field

Mark Bowman, who covered the Braves for MLB.com, suggested that Grissom could play left field if needed:

"“Quite honestly, I’d put Grissom in left field during Spring Training just to see if he could handle that position on an everyday basis. He’s certainly athletic enough to handle the position defensively. If there’s a desire to put his bat in the lineup every day, this should at least be an option.”"

Bowman doesn’t believe Grissom has the ability to play such a demanding position at shortstop, but left field is far more manageable, and the pressure will be off to replace Swanson.

Could Vaughn Grissom play left field, rather than shortstop?

Brian Snitker quickly put any left field rumors to bed, suggesting that Vaughn Grissom will compete for the shortstop position alone in spring training:

Grissom is just 21 years old, so if he is beat out by a veteran like Arcia, he has options left.