Amid growing speculation about the Atlanta Braves’ direction ahead of the MLB trade deadline, general manager Alex Anthopoulos has issued a firm and reassuring statement regarding the future of veteran ace Chris Sale.
In a recent interview on 680 The Fan, Anthopoulos plainly declared that a trade involving Sale “will not happen,” effectively silencing rumors about the left-hander’s potential departure.
With the Braves sitting well below .500 and trailing significantly in the NL East standings, many analysts have suggested the team could shift into seller mode.
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Potential trade candidates like Marcell Ozuna, Raisel Iglesias, and Jurickson Profar have been mentioned, especially if the Braves continue to slide in the standings. However, Anthopoulos made it clear that Chris Sale, who is viewed as a key component of the team’s short- and long-term plans, is not on the trade block.
Sale validated that confidence shortly after Anthopoulos’ remarks by delivering a dominant outing against the division-leading New York Mets, falling just one out short of a complete-game shutout. Closer Raisel Iglesias sealed the 5-0 victory with the final out.
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Despite a disappointing season thus far, Atlanta remains committed to contending in 2026. Sale’s contract runs through next season, and the team views his leadership and performance as essential to any rebound.
The front office has already come under scrutiny for parting ways with Max Fried during the 2025 offseason, a decision that has not aged well. Losing another top-tier starter in Sale would only compound that regret.
Though Spencer Strider was initially expected to lead the rotation, Sale’s resurgence—despite a dip in velocity—has made him the Braves’ most reliable arm this season. Anthopoulos’ emphatic stance not only reaffirms the team’s internal belief but also sends a stabilizing message to the clubhouse.
For a club in search of direction, holding on to an experienced and respected presence like Sale may be the anchor the Braves need to navigate the remainder of 2025 and regroup for a stronger campaign in 2026.
