3 players Braves must extend not named Dansby Swanson

Braves rumors: Extend Vaughn Grissom

If Dansby Swanson does leave, Atlanta has an easy replacement in house, should they want to pursue that route. Vaughn Grissom is one of the Braves top prospects, and he can play both second base and shortstop. Grissom received some experience this past season when Ozzie Albies went down with an injury.

Extending Grissom is a risk, but it’s something Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos has done time and time before. Ronald Acuña, Albies and even Michael Harris II signed extensions in their arbitration years. The Braves consider it saving money in the long run, and they’re right the majority of the time.

Anthopoulos has most of the Braves core signed long term, and Grissom would be the next step. After this offseason, it’s a safe bet that one of Swanson or Grissom will be signed to a long-term deal.

For Atlanta’s sake, we hope it’s both. Swanson is a leader in the clubhouse and arguably one of the faces of this team. Grissom is an up and comer who won’t be denied a roster spot when his time comes. A similar deal to Harris II or Spencer Strider make a lot of sense for both sides.