The Atlanta Braves came into the season with aspirations of winning the NL East thanks to a core that included All-Star hitter Marcell Ozuna and starting pitcher Chris Sale. Now, both veteran talents have been the subject of MLB trade rumors for weeks amid the club’s struggles.
Speaking to reporters this week, Braves’ general manager Alex Anthopoulos stated unequivocally that Sale will not be traded this season and the team isn’t even giving the thought consideration.
- Chris Sale stats (ESPN): 2.52 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 114 strikeouts in 89.2 innings pitched
“No, zero [chance]. I’ve seen the speculation. It’s completely ridiculous to me. We are not selling, especially someone that has club control beyond the current year. Will not happen. I never make definitive statements unless I’m going to stick to them. Once you make definitive statements and then you go back on them, you’re a liar and you’re done. No, zero [chance],” Anthopoulos said. “I’ve seen the speculation. It’s completely ridiculous to me. We are not selling, especially someone that has club control beyond the current year. Will not happen. I never make definitive statements unless I’m going to stick to them. Once you make definitive statements and then you go back on them, you’re a liar and you’re done.”
Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos on potentially trading Chris Sale (via MLB.com)
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Entering play on June 1, Atlanta sat fourth in the NL East with a 27-30 record. While the club’s run differential (+15) suggested they were better than their record, a 12-19 mark versus winning teams highlighted some of their issues. At its lowest point on June 8, Atlanta was 10 games below .500 with a +3 run differential.
- Chris Sale contract (Spotrac): $22 million salary in 2025, $18 million club option for 2026
The club now seems to be turning things around. Heading into MLB games today, the Braves have a 7-2 record in their last nine games and are coming off a three-game sweep of the Mets. While Atlanta is still 5.5 games back of the San Diego Padres for the NL’s final wild card spot, it is an improvement.
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Unsurprisingly, Sale won’t be available. He won the NL Cy Young Award last season and even at 36 years old, he’s demonstrating that he remains one of the best pitchers in baseball. Atlanta’s club option on him for the 2026 season is also a bargain, considering the going rate for front-line pitching.
The notable comment from the Braves’ general manager is that Ozuna seemingly won’t be traded. He seemed to be an option because he’s on an expiring deal, but Atlanta’s front office seems committed to giving this team the entire season to turn things around.
