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Braves to Acquire Burnes in Trade for Grissom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 3:36 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Georgia, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES

Atlanta, GA - February 3rd, 2026 - The Atlanta Braves are reportedly on the verge of acquiring Milwaukee Brewers' ace Corbin Burnes in a significant trade that will send former top prospect Vaughn Grissom to the National League Central, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. The deal, if finalized, promises to bolster the Braves' already formidable pitching staff while providing the Brewers with a potential long-term solution at shortstop.

The potential trade has been swirling around MLB circles for days, gaining momentum over the past 72 hours. While final details are still being hammered out, the framework appears to be set: Burnes, a former Cy Young Award winner and two-time All-Star, is headed to Atlanta, and Grissom, a young infielder who hasn't quite found his footing in the Braves' lineup, is going to Milwaukee.

What's particularly interesting is the financial structure of the deal. The Brewers are expected to cover a substantial portion - reportedly around $15 million - of Burnes' salary. This salary offset is crucial, allowing the Braves to acquire a proven, high-end starter without significantly impacting their already committed payroll. The Braves, consistently among the league leaders in regular season wins, are demonstrating a continued commitment to championship contention, and adding a pitcher of Burnes' caliber sends a strong message to the rest of the National League.

Grissom's Journey and the Braves' Shortstop Situation

Vaughn Grissom entered the Braves' system with immense expectations. Once considered one of the organization's top prospects, the young shortstop showcased flashes of brilliance during limited opportunities at the major league level. However, the emergence of Orlando Arcia as the everyday shortstop cemented the position, leaving Grissom in a difficult spot. While possessing a strong offensive ceiling, his defensive versatility hasn't fully materialized, and the Braves seem content with their current infield configuration.

For the Brewers, Grissom represents a potential upgrade at a key position. While their infield is currently serviceable, acquiring a player with Grissom's upside could be a significant boost for years to come. The Brewers are entering a rebuilding phase after a few years of contention, and adding a young, controllable asset like Grissom aligns with their long-term plans. It provides them with a potentially exciting cornerstone player as they look to reshape their roster.

Burnes' Recent Performance and Fit in Atlanta

Corbin Burnes' trajectory has been fascinating. His dominant 2021 campaign, culminating in the Cy Young Award, established him as one of the most electrifying pitchers in baseball. While his performance has experienced a slight dip since then, he remains a highly effective starter, capable of providing quality starts and racking up strikeouts. His fastball remains a weapon, and his ability to command multiple pitches makes him a difficult matchup for opposing hitters.

The Braves' pitching staff is already strong, featuring Spencer Strider, Max Fried (when healthy) and several promising young arms. Adding Burnes to the mix creates a truly elite rotation, arguably the best in the National League. The Braves' front office clearly believes Burnes can regain his Cy Young form in a new environment, and their established pitching coaches will likely play a key role in unlocking his full potential.

Braves' Offseason Strategy and Future Outlook

This potential trade for Burnes is the latest in a series of moves by the Braves to reinforce their championship aspirations. The team has been actively exploring free agent options and trade targets throughout the offseason, aiming to address specific needs and maintain their competitive edge. (See [ Braves' free agent outlook ] for more details on their free agent pursuits). Managing their payroll effectively remains a key priority for the organization (as highlighted in this report on [ Braves' 2024 payroll ]).

If the trade goes through, the Braves will undoubtedly be considered among the favorites to represent the National League in the World Series. The acquisition of Burnes solidifies their pitching staff and provides them with a formidable one-two punch at the top of the rotation. For the Brewers, while losing Burnes is a tough blow, acquiring Grissom offers a glimmer of hope for the future and aligns with their long-term rebuilding strategy. The deal represents a win-win scenario for both teams, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 MLB season.