The Atlanta Braves surprised everyone last offseason when they traded Vaughn Grissom to the Red Sox in exchange for Chris Sale. At the time, people weren't expecting Sale to be anything more than the team's fourth starter with maybe some upside for a bit more.
Instead, rampant injuries within Braves camp changed that rapidly and the veteran southpaw became the staff ace. It was also a resurgence for Sale, who had his first healthy offseason in years. He went on to win his first NL Cy Young Award with an incredible 18 wins, 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts.
Grissom didn't share the same success as he dealt with injuries. He nursed a groin injury that happened in spring training that kept him out for a month. He returned in May and played in 23 games before hurting his hamstring. He batted a putrid .148/.207/.160 with five walks and 19 strikeouts.
Red Sox recent cut of Vaughn Grissom may have solidified the Braves' trade for Chris Sale as a steal of the century
It already seemed like a lopsided deal in favor of the Braves. Pretty ironic that everyone was worried about Sale staying healthy and yet it was Grissom who spent most of the season injured. The Red Sox had to feel a little cursed at that point.
Grissom still has plenty of time to prove he was a worthy trade acquisition. Unfortunately, 2025 has not gotten off to the start he'd hoped for. Boston has a talented core and one of the best farm systems in baseball. They are deep and there is tons of competition.
This spring hasn't been good for the second baseman who was vying for a starting spot. Grissom batted .176/.300/.235 with six hits, six runs, six walks, six strikeouts, and three RBI over 34 at-bats. Boston decided he was a better candidate to start the season in the minors and optioned him to Triple-A.
Grissom is under club control through 2029, so there's still time for him to turn things around. However, that's going to be tough as Boston has a few great infield prospects he would have to battle out in the future. It seems the Red Sox have a bit more belief in David Hamilton and Kristian Campbell handling duties at second base to start the season.
If Sale has another incredible season in 2025, it will absolutely solidify this trade as one of the best in Atlanta Braves franchise history.
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