The Atlanta Braves have made it clear that they have no intention of trading ace Chris Sale (36).
Major League Baseball (MLB.com) reported on the 20th that 'the Braves will not trade Chris Sale.' Alex Anthopoulos, head of baseball operations, 'granted' an interview with 680 The Fan in Atlanta to confirm this.
Sale is an elite ace, recording 143 wins, 87 losses, and an earned run average of 3.02 in 387 games (2,047⅔ innings) throughout his Major League career. Last season, he achieved 18 wins and 3 losses with an earned run average of 2.38 in 29 games (177⅔ innings) in Atlanta, earning his first National League Cy Young Award. This season, he continues to perform well with 5 wins and 4 losses and an earned run average of 2.52 in 15 games (89⅓ innings).
However, despite Sale's performance, Atlanta is experiencing a difficult season. With a record of 34 wins and 39 losses, the team is ranked third in the National League East and ninth in the National League wildcard standings. They are 5.5 games behind the third-place San Diego Padres (40 wins, 43 losses, .541 winning percentage), who are still in contention for the postseason.
MLB.com noted that 'with Atlanta having a disappointing season, projections are circulating that they may choose to sell players before the trade deadline. Given the extensive demand for a top-tier starting pitcher, along with Sale's age and the contract remaining through 2026 (a $1.8 million club option), it's understandable that Sale's name is being discussed as a trade chip.'
However, Anthopoulos dismissed these expectations outright. 'No. It's 0%,' Anthopoulos said. 'I've heard those rumors. It's completely nonsense to me. We will not sell players, especially players who are controllable beyond this year. That will not happen. I don't make such definitive statements unless I'm sure. Once you make a definitive statement and turn back on it, you become a liar.'
'I will say this in "bold. italic. capital letters,"' Anthopoulos said with a smile. 'Even now, very early, we are pushing for a trade in June to show that we will not be sellers at the trade deadline.' He added, 'If the situation completely changes by the end of July, we may have to reassess. But it would need to be an extreme situation. We built this team to win. What we want is a championship. Our fundamental policy is to push for the championship throughout the season.'
MLB.com analyzed, 'Of course, if Atlanta's season performance deteriorates drastically, their policy may change. However, as can be seen from the comments about Sale, even if the Braves turn into sellers, the players considered for trade would likely only be Marcel Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias, whose contracts expire this year.'
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