If the Boston Red Sox had the chance to go back, they might choose not to trade Chris Sale.
The Atlanta Braves took a low-risk, high-reward chance with Chris Sale, while the Boston Red Sox assumed most of the risk. Although Sale had struggled since his standout performance during Boston’s 2018 World Series win, the Red Sox didn’t have to trade him in this way. In exchange for Sale, Boston took on a significant portion of his salary and received middle infielder Vaughn Grissom.
Looking back, this trade could be one of Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos’s best. Boston wanted to move on from Sale, while Atlanta realized Grissom wasn’t going to be a regular starter. With Ozzie Albies secured at second base and Grissom struggling at shortstop, the Braves found success with Orlando Arcia, who even made the NL All-Star Team in 2023. Though Arcia’s performance dipped in 2024, he remained a more valuable player than Grissom had been in Boston. Meanwhile, Sale enjoyed the best season of his career, capturing the NL Triple Crown and his first Cy Young award.
Sale’s remarkable 2024 season may be what eventually earns him a spot in Cooperstown, a turn of events few saw coming.
This trade will likely be remembered as a lopsided one, especially for Boston.
Atlanta Braves could not have fleeced Boston Red Sox more for Chris Sale
For Atlanta, the Braves are set to center their rotation around Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and Spencer Schwellenbach as Spencer Strider recovers from a season-ending UCL injury. Max Fried has joined the New York Yankees, and it’s uncertain whether Charlie Morton will ever pitch again. Anthopoulos has been unusually quiet this offseason—perhaps he’s planning something again?
As for Boston, the Red Sox exceeded expectations last season. They were predicted to perform poorly but ended up becoming the type of gritty team that the city and fans embraced. While they didn’t quite make the postseason, a pitcher like Sale could have been the difference-maker. He was the reason the Braves, despite a tough season, made it into the playoffs.
Grissom still has potential, but his glove might never reach the necessary level. To have any lasting success at the major league level, he may need to play second base or possibly left field. His bat and likable personality helped him reach the big leagues, but his defense and right-handedness could ultimately limit what was once seen as a promising career. Boston is likely regretting its decision.
The Red Sox had every reason to part with Sale, but they now look foolish for the return they got.
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