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BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: Manager Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox reacts as he speaks with the media during media availability ahead of the 2018 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 22, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox have been one of the most disappointing teams to start the 2026 MLB season.

Right now, they are 4-8 in their first 12 games, which has them at the bottom of the American League East.

On Friday night, the Red Sox will open up a series with the St. Louis Cardinals (in Missouri).

Boston Red Sox Made A Massive Mistake

GettyAlex Cora of the Boston Red Sox argues with umpire Jordan Baker (not seen) during the sixth inning of a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Fenway Park on September 01, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

There are a lot of things that have recently gone wrong for the Red Sox, but it’s worth looking back at a trade they made in 2023.

They sent Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves for little in return.

The Boston Red Sox wrote (via X) on December 30, 2023: “The #RedSox today acquired INF Vaughn Grissom from the Atlanta Braves, in exchange for LHP Chris Sale and cash considerations.”

Sale Following Braves Trade

GettyStarting pitcher Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox throws his 2,000th career strike out to Oscar Mercado #35 of the Cleveland Indians to end the third inning at Progressive Field.

In his first year playing for Atlanta (2024), Sale made the All-Star Game (and won the Cy Young Award).

He went 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA in 29 games.

Sale then followed up that season with another All-Star appearance in 2025.

Chad Bishop of AJC wrote (on March 27): “Chris Sale with career strikeout 2,584 to pass Warren Spahn for 30th on MLB’s all-time career strikeout list.

Tom Glavine is 29th with 2,607.”

GettyJUNE 04: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Truist Park on June 04, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

There are plenty of reasons why Sale could have used a change of scenery in 2023, but it’s safe to say the Braves won the trade in a big way.

@SleeperBraves wrote (on December 30, 2025): “This Day in Braves History 🪓 (Dec 30, 2023): 🔁 Braves get: Chris Sale + $17M 🔁 Red Sox get: Vaughn Grissom

Since then? 🏆 Cy Young 👑 NL Triple Crown 🔙 Comeback Player of the Year ⭐️ 2x All-Star

One of the greatest trade wins ever.”

Vaughn Grissom’s Background

GettyVaughn Grissom #5 of the Boston Red Sox runs home to score a run against the New York Mets in the second inning during a spring training game at Clover Park on March 13, 2025 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Grissom only appeared in 31 games for the Red Sox (in 2024).

He batted .190 with six RBI’s, ten runs and two stolen bases.

The 25-year-old did not play in the Major Leagues last season.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote (on December 9, 2025): “The Los Angeles Angels are acquiring infielder Vaughn Grissom in a trade with the Boston Red Sox, sources tell ESPN.”

Looking At The Red Sox

GettyManager Alex Cora #13 of the Boston Red Sox applauds in the dugout during the 10th inning of a 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox are coming off a season where they lost to the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card.

They last won a World Series Championship in 2018 (with Sale).

Following their series with the Cardinals, the Red Sox will visit the Minnesota Twins on April 13.

Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.  He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar