Chris Sale’s career with the Boston Red Sox officially came to an end on the final weekend of 2023.
Instead of retiring, the Red Sox made an unexpected deal for infielder Vaughn Grissom to the Atlanta Braves, hoping Grissom would stick around as their long-term second baseman.
Both athletes became popular over the weekend, though for different reasons. With a “slight” left groin strain that sidelined him on Saturday, Grissom is unlikely to make a timely season debut according to manager Alex Cora, despite the issue not being believed to be significant.
One day later, in a preseason game between the two teams predicted to finish first and second in the NL East, Sale produced his second strong start as an employee of his new team by pitching 2 22/3 scoreless innings against the Phillies.
Sale told reporters in North Port, Florida on Sunday, “I want to be what I’m supposed to be for this team and to make all that work in the offseason worthwhile.” “Work still has to be done. There are still a few issues to resolve. However, I enjoy our current position and our course.
The deal reflects the different perspectives held by the two teams.
With just Rafael Devers remaining from the 2018 title team, Sale is among the last players from that squad to depart Boston. As he begins the second year of a 10-year contract, the third baseman hopes his front office does more to help a team coming off back-to-back 78-win seasons.
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