Atlanta Braves: Robbie Grossman is an Under the Radar Trade Candidate
Outfielders Abraham Almonte #34, Guillermo Heredia #38, and Joc Pederson #22 of the Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
If the Atlanta Braves are looking for another bat at a value, they should ask Detroit about Robbie Grossman.
The Atlanta Braves have made indications that they want to add to this team at the deadline. However, they might be looking more at under-the-radar moves. One name that fits this description could be Robbie Grossman.
Look at the Joc Pederson and Stephen Vogt moves. The Braves will probably make moves similar to these rather than a blockbuster move at this year’s deadline.
The Braves could use another bat in the lineup, but they may not be willing to put together a big enough package to get a Joey Gallo or Bryan Reynolds. We also have yet to see Alex Anthopoulos make a big trade involving some of the Braves’ top prospects so far in his tenure with the Braves.
Remember, the Braves farm system is not as deep as it once was, so the Braves might be hesitant to get into a bidding war for some of the bigger names on the market.
However, if the Braves are serious about making a run at the division this year, then the Braves will need to upgrade this lineup (and bullpen) at the deadline. Running out Abraham Almonte, Orlando Arcia, and Guillermo Heredia might not get the Braves a division title.
While these guys have given the Braves some solid time over the course of the year, they are arguably AAAA players or depth pieces at this point in their careers.
Robbie Grossman could benefit the Braves’ offensive lineup. He is not a rental either, he is under contract through the 2022 season.
Under the Radar
Grossman probably will not find his name in talks for any awards or All-Star berths regularly. However, he is a solid baseball player that can benefit any team.
In 2021, Grossman is hitting .226/.353/.403 with fifteen home runs, fifty-one runs, forty-six RBIs, twelve stolen bases, a .333 wOBA, 110 wRC+, 114 OPS+, and a 1.5 fWAR.
Grossman’s line may not pop off the screen, but he still finds a way to provide great value to a lineup. This is in large part due to his 15.3% walk rate (top 3% in league) that allows him to consistently get on base.
He may not provide the type of pop that a Joey Gallo would, but a .180 ISO grades out as above-average meaning he does provide a decent bit of power.
His metrics support his current season:
- xBA- .233
- xSLG- .411
- wOBA- .339
- xwOBA- .345
- xwOBAcon- .381
When it comes to base running, Grossman does have twelve stolen bases on the season but has a -0.1 BsR and a -1.3 UBR. Outside of stealing bases, Grossman’s base running can be seen as slightly below average.
What about defensively? Can Grossman provide value to the Braves in that area?
Overall, he has 761.1 innings in the outfield with a -1 DRS. However, if that is broken up to show his defensive value in left field and right field, it shows:
- 460 innings- 2 DRS
- 301.1 innings- -3 DRS
He has been far better in left field this year for the Tigers defensively. It is important to note that Grossman has a career -15 DRS in 3,722.1 innings which is bad, however, most of that comes from a disastrous 2016 where he had a -20 DRS.
Grossman has the ability to play an above-average left field, which is where he would most likely play if acquired by Atlanta.
What will it cost the Braves
Before getting into what it might cost the Braves, take a look at the Tigers farm system. Coming into this season, they were considered a top 3-5 system in baseball.
With a few guys like Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal graduating for prospect status, their system might fall down rankings slightly, but it should still be seen as a top ten system. With guys like Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene, the Tigers still have a talented farm.
They may not need a certain position to target prospect-wise, instead, they may just look to get the best prospect available in any move.
Moving Grossman probably does not result in acquiring an elite-level prospect, but the Tigers could find themselves netting several decent prospects to replenish their minor leagues.
The Tigers may not even consider trading Grossman with his team-friendly deal that would pay him five million in 2022. However, if they do decide to move him, would he make sense for the Braves?
Outside of Joc Pederson, take a look at the Braves’ current outfield options on the big league roster.
- Abraham Almonte: .225/.347/.392, .328 wOBA, 103 wRC+, -0.1 BsR, 0 UBR, -5 DRS
- Orlando Arcia: .244/.300/.400 .295 wOBA, 82 wRC+ -0.7 BsR, -0.8 UBR, 1 DRS
- Guillermo Heredia: .245/.329/.400 .318 wOBA, 97 wRC+, 1.5 BsR, 1.9 UBR, -5 DRS
While these three guys have given the Braves some solid moments in 2021, they are not long-term answers as starters. Grossman could be an upgrade to the Braves lineup for this year and his control through 2022 is an extra benefit.
Here is a potential trade package:
The Tigers are close to their window of competing again, and adding another young pitcher in Jared Shuster could be appealing. They could then add two lower-level lottery tickets, especially someone like Greyson Jenista, a former second-round pick that could be a solid prospect if he unlocks his power potential.
Grossman would give the Braves a more reliable option in left field. Once Ronald Acuña Jr. returns from injury next season, Grossman would still provide value.
If the universal DH is in play for 2022, and the Braves bring back Joc Pederson, Grossman could play left field while Pederson plays DH. He could also serve as the righty to Joc’s lefty power bat in a potential platoon.
Grossman is not the most appealing option on the market at the trade deadline, but he could be a solid option at the bottom of the order that helps feed the top of the lineup. Remember how great the Braves offense was in 2020 thanks to the bottom of the lineup constantly feeding the guys at the top.
If the Tigers are willing to part with Grossman, and the Braves still see themselves as contenders, they should at least consider the idea. It is an under-the-radar move, like Pederson and Vogt, that could boost the Braves’ offense.
Next. Potential Bullpen Targets. dark
He is not a superstar, but instead a solid reliable option that could be a sneaky upgrade for this team this season, and in 2022 that will not cost a fortune. This could be the type of move the Braves are looking to make at the deadline.