MLB rumors: Predicting the next 5 young stars to sign contract extensions

4. Vaughn Grissom, Atlanta Braves

Yes, this might seem premature, but this is also kind of what the Atlanta Braves have done under Alex Anthopoulos. Over the past few years alone, the organization has been quick to lock up their young, homegrown stars to deals before their market value gets too out of hand, including deals for Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley and most recently Michael Harris II.

Grissom was recently called up by the Braves due to injuries to Albies and his replacement, Orlando Arcia, which could create some complications if Atlanta were to sign him to a long-term extension in terms of where he would play. At the same time, though, you can’t argue with the performance that the 21-year-old has put forth since going straight from Double-A to MLB.

Through 15 games in the big leagues, Grissom is slashing an absurd .382/.424/.600 with three home runs, three doubles, 10 RBI and two stolen bases. He’s been absolutely electric for the defending World Series champions and looks the part of the next testament to Atlanta’s elite player development and scouting.

Again, this isn’t necessarily a formality. However, the Braves’ history with locking up their young studs as soon as it seems viable suggests that, if Grissom continues to play at a level anything close to his torrid start to his career, Atlanta could and should be willing to offer him the bag (in a team-friendly fashion, of course).