The Chris Sale trade reviewed two years later

On December 30, 2023, the Atlanta Braves weren't busy with New Year's festivities, but rather preparing a trade with the Boston Red Sox. The trade was finally completed, with Chris Sale heading to Georgia with $17 million, in exchange for prospect Vaughn Grissom.

Two years to the day, it's safe to say that the Low Reds once again found themselves on the wrong side of the equation.

True, Grissom was a promising prospect and Sale was considered to be at the end of his career, as he would be starting the next campaign at 35. But that wasn't quite the case.

In the big left-hander's first four starts, he posted an earned-run average of 4.38. Nothing to write home about. However, Sale won Pitcher of the Month in May, posting a 0.83 earned-run average. He went on to win the Cy Young Trophy, his eighth All-Star Game selection, and the Comeback of the Year award.

Then, despite suffering an injury in the summer of 2025, he repeated his success in the final season. Sale was again named to the All-Star Game, and the Braves had an easy decision to make when they accepted his club option for the 2026 season.

Meanwhile in Massachusetts, the Red Sox traded Grissom to the Los Angeles Angels in return for the services of minor leaguer Isiah Jackson earlier this month.

Right now, the Braves are the clear winners in this transaction, and Jackson would have to become an All-Star for that outcome to change.

This content was created with the help of AI.