3 Braves replacements for Dansby Swanson not named Carlos Correa

Braves should stick with what they have

Want a replacement for Dansby Swanson? Why not go with the replacement you had in mind for…Dansby Swanson.

Atlanta tabbed Vaughn Grissom as Swanson’s replacement — at least for show — for most of the offseason. Grissom worked out with Ron Washington in New Orleans to learn the shortstop position, and it seemed to go well. While Grissom is just 21 years old, he’s polished at the plate and improving defensively. There will be headaches, sure, but a major drop-off is not expected.

FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray suggested the Braves are willing to go with Grissom as their starting shortstop into next season:

"“The Braves, however, are in position where they could roll with rookie Vaughn Grissom at shortstop. Grissom, 21, is barely past rookie status and was called up from Double-A last season in large part because of injuries. But he flashed in a big way down the stretch, hitting .291/.353/.440 with five home runs, a .792 OPS and 0.8 WAR, and showed he is capable of playing either middle infield position.”"

Washington was impressed by Grissom in their workouts this winter, suggesting he could be everything the Braves wanted to replace Swanson. Dansby had career-highs in many offensive categories last season. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him regress to the norm, and Grissom perhaps surpass him in some categories.

Could this be Jeremy Peña 2.0?

As I wrote a few weeks ago, Grissom is projected to be a better offensive player than Swanson next year:

“If FanGraphs is proven correct, then Grissom could very well finish the 2023 campaign with better offensive numbers than Swanson. Atlanta should expect to take a step back on the basepaths and defensively, as those are two department Swanson excelled at. Grissom is also still learning the nuances of the position.”

It’s worth rolling the dice if you’re the Braves, rather than spending far too much money on a free-agent shortstop who may or may not have injury issues.