Braves Rumors: 3 trade targets Vaughn Grissom can help Atlanta acquire
By Mark Powell
Atlanta Braves trade target: Michael Fulmer
With Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson as middle infielders, the Cubs would have to find another home for Vaughn Grissom in this trade. Grissom was floated as a potential corner outfielder prior to the season, and should the Cubs trade away Cody Bellinger, he could fit in that role on the north side of Chicago.
Fulmer makes a lot of sense in Atlanta for several reasons. First, he’s been a shutdown reliever since late May. Second, he has postseason experience. The Braves need both of those things, and while they just traded for two power arms, Atlanta doesn’t yet have too many players they can trust in the back end of their bullpen. David O’Brien and Jim Bowden identified Fulmer as a fit this week:
“Fulmer is an impending free agent who’s on a one-year, $4 million contract. After posting a 7.84 ERA in 23 appearances through May 27, Fulmer has a 1.50 ERA in his past 21 outings, holding opponents to a .169 average and .568 OPS with 24 strikeouts, 13 walks and two homers in 24 innings.”
It’s unclear if Grissom for Fulmer as a straight-up trade would work, but one would assume that as one of the Braves more valuable trade assets, Grissom should be the primary piece involved.