The Boston Red Sox traded All-Star left-hander Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves over the weekend. In exchange, the Red Sox are getting talented infielder Vaughn Grissom.
The Red Sox paid tribute to Sale after the trade was made official, uploading a video of Sale’s World Series-winning strikeout of Manny Machado in 2018.
The ultimate teammate, competitor, and World Series Champion.
Thank you for all the strikeouts and passion you brought to Red Sox Nation. pic.twitter.com/cisSBgzIx5
— Red Sox (@RedSox) December 30, 2023
Sale was in the final year of the five-year, $145 million extension he signed with the Boston team in 2019. To facilitate the deal, the 34-year-old player waived his no-trade clause while the Red Sox are also covering $17 million of his $27.5 million salary for the 2024 MLB season.
Chris Sale joined the Red Sox in 2017 in a trade from the Chicago White Sox. He earned All-Star selection in his first two years with the franchise while also winning his first World Series ring. However, Sale failed to play on the same level in the following years, dealing with a drop in form, Tommy John surgery, and several injuries.
Sale made 20 starts for the Red Sox in 2023, finishing the campaign with a 6-5 record, 4.30 ERA, and 125 strikeouts.
Vaughn Grissom has two seasons of experience in MLB. He played 64 games for the Braves, batting .287 with five home runs and 27 RBIs.