The Braves recently acquired Jarred Kelenic from the Mariners in a five-player trade with the former top prospect being the gem of the deal.
Kelenic is coming off a breakout campaign of sorts in which he posted career highs in all three slash categories. The once highly touted project is just 24 years old and is a solid defender with elite raw power. However, while the acquisition of Kelenic potentially closes the door on the Braves left field dilemma, another one opens regarding what Alex Anthopoulos should do with Vaughn Grissom.
Grissom’s place on the diamond isn’t obvious. Shortstop, left field, and DH are the only positions that aren’t locked up long-term.
He’s already shown an inability to play shortstop, and Marcell Ozuna is under contract for two more years if the Braves exercise his option. Left field was the easiest place to see him slotting into a major league role in 2024. With Kelenic in the fold, that’s no longer the case.
Trading Vaughn Grissom for anything other than a significant upgrade to the rotation would be senseless. He provides tremendous depth at multiple positions and is still a cost-controllable asset with several minor-league options.
However, Grissom’s bat is ready for the major league level and has been for a while now. He has nothing left to prove in Triple-A. The Braves find themselves in a position with two young players that both seemingly need everyday at-bats, so how will the club approach the 2024 campaign with Grissom and Kelenic?
Assuming the Braves don’t move Vaughn Grissom in a separate trade, he’ll be a super-utility piece that can fill in at left field, third base, shortstop (in a pinch), and second base. A platoon situation with the two young players is a possibility, but that alone won’t provide many opportunities for Grissom to start. I still think there’s a great chance one of these young players are moved in a significant trade before the start of the season.
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Photo: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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