Braves Rumors: 3 trade targets Vaughn Grissom can help Atlanta acquire

Per The Athletic, Vaughn Grissom is the most likely Atlanta Braves player to be traded at the deadline. Who can Grissom help the front office acquire?

Prior to spring training, Vaughn Grissom was seen as the likely heir-apparent to Dansby Swanson in Atlanta. Swanson signed with the Chicago Cubs for a contract that was out of the Braves price range. After working out with Ron Washington all offseason to improve his defense at shortstop, it only seemed like a matter of time before Grissom filled the void.

However, it wasn’t meant to be. Grissom struggled defensively in spring training, and started the season in the minors. When he was called up, even his bat didn’t fully translate to the major-league level, which was in stark contrast to last year.

At the trade deadline, Grissom is expected to be floated as a potential trade asset for a relief arm, starting pitching help, or a corner outfielder. Orlando Arcia has taken over admirably at shortstop, making the NL All-Star team. For some team, perhaps Grissom can find a home. But that team is not Atlanta. The Athletic’s Sam Blum, C. Trent Rosecrans and Cody Stavenhagen suggested Grissom could be traded by next Tuesday:

"“Seen as a possible replacement for Dansby Swanson at one point, Grissom has fallen behind both veteran Orlando Arcia and fellow prospect Braden Shewmake in the pecking order. He’s also, obviously, behind Ozzie Albies. Grissom played second for an injured Albies last season and put up a 118 OPS+ in 41 games. He struggled in his big-league stint this year but is thriving at Triple A.”"

With that in mind, where might Grissom end up? Let’s theorize.

Atlanta Braves trade target: Adam Duvall

It’s become clear that the Braves prioritize a reunion with Adam Duvall, who currently plays for the Boston Red Sox. While Boston would prefer some pitching back in return, perhaps Grissom can help lessen the load a bit.

Grissom can play shortstop or second base, where Boston currently has a bit of a roster hole as they await the return of Trevor Story, and the eventual call-up of Marcelo Mayer.

Grissom is young enough to make an impact on this Red Sox team, and provides a big bat that can help in a postseason push.

As FanSided’s Robert Murray suggested on Monday, Duvall makes sense as a fit for the Braves:

“The Braves could use more veteran outfield depth and Duvall would make an ideal platoon partner with Eddie Rosario in left field. Duvall’s versatility could also allow the team to give days off to Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuña Jr. to ensure that they are fresh for the postseason.”