As disappointing as the Atlanta Braves' 2024 season was, it was refreshing to see left-handed starting pitcher Chris Sale have the level of success he did at this point in his career. After struggling to stay healthy the last few seasons, Sale became one of the most reliable starters in Brian Snitker’s rotation.
With the season right around the corner and Spencer Strider not able to be ready for Opening Day, Sale will most likely take over the top spot in the Braves’ pitching staff. After infielder Alex Bregman agreed to a short-term contract with the Boston Red Sox, the trade that brought Sale to Atlanta looks even better than it already did.
Despite winning the Cy Young award, Chris Sale still doesn't see himself as a Hall of Famer pic.twitter.com/ZmTPbdUl6R
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) November 21, 2024
Braves trade for Chris Sale looks even better right now after Alex Bregman's deal
Back in December of 2023, the Braves sent infielder Vaughn Grissom to the Red Sox in exchange for Chris Sale and $17 million in cash which basically covered Sale’s salary for the 2024 season. At the time, there was a lot of speculation that this trade would not end well with the Braves. Trading away a young prospect for an injury-prone veteran is not the norm but Alex Anthopoulos knew what he was doing.
Sale came to Atlanta and went 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA, capturing the NL Triple Crown and his first career Cy Young Award. With Grissom only appearing in 31 games last season and hitting .190, it was pretty obvious that the Braves had won this trade. Believe it or not, this trade looks even better in 2025.
Grissom spent the majority of his time in Atlanta as a shortstop. When he went to the Red Sox, that position was occupied by Trevor Story. The next best place for Grissom to fit in when he was in the lineup was at second base but that is likely no longer an option.
Alex Bregman has played third base his entire career but his now manager, Alex Cora, has claimed he feels that Bregman is an ideal second baseman. With Rafael Devers holding down the hot corner for the Red Sox, second base seems to be a logical fit for Bregman in Boston. As a result, Grissom has become buried in the depth chart.
It is tough to see a former Braves player who once showed a lot of promise have to go through struggles like this. However, this is another situation that we can reflect on to realize that Alex Anthopoulos should always be trusted.