The Atlanta Braves’ acquisition of Chris Sale has emerged as one of the most lopsided trades in recent MLB history.
The Boston Red Sox, seeking to offload Sale after several underwhelming seasons following their 2018 World Series victory, assumed much of his remaining salary while receiving middle infielder Vaughn Grissom in return.
This decision has since backfired spectacularly, with Sale’s resurgence in Atlanta cementing his place among baseball’s elite.
In a stellar 2024 season, Sale clinched the NL Triple Crown and his first Cy Young Award, achievements that may pave his path to the Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, Grissom struggled to establish himself in Boston. Limited by defensive liabilities and a crowded infield, he failed to deliver the impact expected of him.
The Braves, already solidified at second base with Ozzie Albies, had viewed Grissom as surplus talent, making the trade an easy call for Atlanta’s general manager Alex Anthopoulos.
While the Braves rebuilt their rotation around Sale, Boston was left wondering what could have been. Sale’s dominance helped a battered Braves team reach the postseason, while the Red Sox, despite surpassing expectations, missed October baseball. Boston’s gamble on Grissom’s potential now looks like a costly miscalculation, emphasizing how profoundly they underestimated Sale’s ability to rebound.
Trades like this reshape franchises, and for Boston, the regret is undeniable. The Braves, by contrast, have turned this deal into a cornerstone of their continued success.
