Braves Rumors: Vaughn Grissom value, AA strikes again, deadline moves
By Mark Powell
Braves Rumors: Vaughn Grissom’s value just went up
Vaughn Grissom is the most likely Braves player to be traded, per The Athletic. It’s an odd place to be, especially for a player who was expected to be the eventual replacement at shortstop once Dansby Swanson left for the Chicago Cubs.
Yet, Grissom hasn’t worked out at shortstop, and may need a position change despite working with Ron Washington all offseason. Grissom’s bat is as solid as ever, though, as he’s hitting .321 in the minor leagues with the trade deadline approaches. As great as Grissom has performed in Gwinnett, it’s more or less a waste at this point. Grissom is took good of a player to be starting in Triple-A. Frankly, he deserves a major-league opportunity with a team that believes in him and is willing to develop him defensively.
In Atlanta, that is complicated. Orlando Arcia made the NL All-Star team this season. He was expected to be a short-term option, but Arcia has since taken over the position. He signed an extension, and the former Brewers top prospect isn’t moving off short for Grissom, a player who has struggled to adapt defensively.
Here’s what The Athletic had to say about Grissom’s trade value:
"“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.”"
if Atlanta is smart, they will trade Grissom while they have the chance.