MLB Rumors: Best prospects the Braves, Cardinals and Cubs should consider trading
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Braves could trade Vaughn Grissom
The Atlanta Braves have seen enough of Vaughn Grissom to know what he is, and is not.
Grissom has an electric bat at the plate. It’s his best asset, by far, and if a team can find a regular position for the 22-year-old, then perhaps he can use that bat to his advantage. In Atlanta, though, they tried to pigeonhole him into the shortstop position to replace Dansby Swanson, and that did not work. Now, his confidence shaken, Grissom hasn’t looked the same at the plate and is getting reps down at Triple-A Gwinnett.
For better or worse, the Braves should consider trading Grissom. Yes, his value is low, but unfortunately he doesn’t bring much value to the current iteration of a contender. With a fresh start, Grissom could receive regular playing time with a major-league club, and learn on the fly. Learning by experience, rather than having every error scrutinized by the fanbase, is a preferable way to mature as a big-league player.
Grissom is still young enough to be a productive player. Clearly, Ron Washington saw something in him when the two were working out at the shortstop position in New Orleans this winter.
Whether that position is shortstop, second base, designated hitter or even the outfield, Grissom is too athletic to be a liability defensively. It’s all about finding the right fit. His bat will do the rest.