Jason Grilli has pitched effectively in three Grapefruit League games for the Atlanta Braves since rupturing his Achilles' tendon just before the 2015 All-Star break. That has made the veteran right-hander valuable trade bait, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
With Carson Smith scheduled to begin the season on the disabled list due to an elbow problem, Cafardo suggests Grilli “actually makes some sense” for the Boston Red Sox, especially since manager John Farrell has “always been a big fan of the former All-Star.”
The Mariners and Twins are among the other teams looking for bullpen help and could be interested in Grilli, who had 24 saves for the Braves last season. Bob Dutton of the News Tribune reports the Mariners already have talked with the Padres about adding a right-handed reliever.
Grilli is almost a luxury on a team that is not expected to contend this year and already has Jim Johnson and Arodys Vizcaino as options at closer. Given Grilli’s value, the Braves could put off a deal until the summer, when his price could be higher.