Braves Rumors: Michael Harris II breakout, pitcher returns, top trade chips

Braves Rumors: Vaughn Grissom, Jared Shuster named top trade assets

There has been plenty of discussion about possible Braves trade targets that could help upgrade the pitching or fill the gaps in the outfield depth. What has been discussed less frequently, however, is who Atlanta could potentially be moving on from or dangling in front of teams as assets in a possible trade.

Chase Irle of SportsTalkATL recently underwent the task of looking at the best trade assets in the Braves organization to help answer that question. And not shockingly, the cupboards are less filled than they have been in years past thanks to the Matt Olson and Sean Muprhy trades primarily. But that doesn’t mean it’s a completely bare situation for Atlanta.

While 20-year-old AJ Smith-Shawver, the rapid ascender set for his first MLB start this weekend after starting the year in Single-A, was listed as the top asset, he’s not getting traded, which Irle noted. Vaughn Grissom and Jared Shuster, however, are a different story.

Grissom, who has MLB experience and shined last year before struggling a bit more while filling in for an injured Orlando Arcia earlier this season, could still be a coveted commodity. With a good bat, developing defense, and still just 22 years old, he could be an MLB-ready option for any team eyeing a trade.

Shuster is much more interesting, though, especially as a piece in the current Braves rotation. The question becomes if that will be the case long term once Max Fried and Kyle Wright are healthy, which is worth asking. And frankly, it stands to reason that Shuster could be pushed out in that situation. Moreover, if it means acquiring a higher-end starter, bullpen help, or outfield depth with Shuster included in a trade package, then it could be worth it in the cost-benefit analysis.