The Atlanta Braves added a veteran arm with upside to their starting rotation Saturday, acquiring left-hander Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Red Sox get highly touted young infielder Vaughn Grissom in return.
Sale, 34, is a seven-time All-Star, but he’s coming off three injury-plagued seasons. He posted a 4.30 ERA (3.80 FIP) in 2023, although he spent a couple of months sidelined with a shoulder injury. However, the all-time MLB leader in strikeouts per nine innings (11.1) was still a K machine, averaging 11/9.
The Red Sox also reportedly sent $17 million to Atlanta to cover some of Sale’s $27.5 million salary in 2024.
Grissom, who turns 23 on Jan. 5, slashed .280/.313/.347 in 23 games for the Braves in 2023 after spending most of the season putting up solid numbers in Triple-A. He figures to see time at second base ini Boston.
Fans generally agreed it’s a great trade for Atlanta if Sale can stay healthy. and that Grissom is a good return.
mans gonna come back and go 21-5 with a 2.53 ERA and 262 Ks
— fedora the explorer (@carellijawn) December 30, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.