MLB Rumors: Vaughn Grissom’s future, Cardinals optimism, Pete Alonso buzz

MLB Rumors: What’s next for Vaughn Grissom and the Braves?

After I mentioned him in just about every Braves trade package — and for good reason, I might add — Alex Anthopoulos defied my advice and kept Grissom at the deadline. I don’t necessarily blame him. Grissom is raking at Triple-A Gwinnett, and has plenty of potential should he work his way into the everyday lineup.

Unfortunately, though, it’s tough to see a path for him to do so in Atlanta. It’s why The Athletic pinned him as the most likely trade asset for the Braves at the trade deadline. Grissom is just 22 years old, and under team control for years to come. Somewhere else, perhaps for a rebuilding team, he’d have the opportunity to learn on the fly in the majors. In Gwinnett, his talents are wasted.

It’s fair to expect Grissom to make a cameo on the postseason roster. Perhaps he’ll even earn a pinch-hitting opportunity or two before the regular season is up. Grissom’s a talented player and the Braves are trying to win the World Series, just as they did in 2021. It’s not shocking they think Grissom helps give them an opportunity to do just that.

Orlando Arcia made the NL All-Star team at shortstop and is signed to a team-friendly deal moving forward. Grissom could change positions, if called upon, this offseason. Or maybe Atlanta will deal him this winter for another asset they can use in the years to come.

Alex Anthopoulos is a wizard, and always unpredictable. It’s our fault for assuming he would make the obvious choice in dealing Grissom elsewhere.