RUMBLINGS AROUND WRIGLEY: Braves Send Strong Message to Cubs About Chris Sale — Blockbuster Pitching Deal in the Works? Insider Sources Hint at Bigger Trade Package Brewing
RUMBLINGS AROUND WRIGLEY: Braves Send Strong Message to Cubs About Chris Sale — Blockbuster Pitching Deal Unlikely as Anthopoulos Shuts Down Rumors
CHICAGO, IL – June 20, 2025 – Whispers of a potentially game-changing trade involving Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale and the Chicago Cubs have been circulating in baseball circles, but recent emphatic statements from Braves President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos appear to have thrown cold water on any immediate blockbuster pitching deal. While “insider sources” initially hinted at a “bigger trade package brewing,” Anthopoulos has seemingly drawn a definitive line in the sand.
The Cubs, reportedly in desperate need of frontline pitching, were rumored to be heavily eyeing Sale, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. Given the Braves’ disappointing 33-39 start to the season, speculation mounted that they might consider selling off assets, with Sale being the most valuable chip.
However, Anthopoulos, in a series of highly direct statements to the media, has adamantly declared that Sale is not on the trading block. “No, zero [chance],” Anthopoulos stated regarding trading Sale. “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.” He further emphasized his stance with “Will. Not. Happen. Bold, italicize it, caps.”
Sale, 36, is in the first season of a two-year, $38 million deal with the Braves, which includes an $18 million club option for 2026. His dominant performance this season, boasting a 2.52 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 114 strikeouts across 89.1 innings in 15 starts, makes him an incredibly attractive asset.
Despite the Braves’ current standing 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, Anthopoulos indicated a clear “buyer’s mentality” for the upcoming July 31 trade deadline, even suggesting he’s trying to make a trade now to signal that the team will not sell. This firm declaration significantly dampens the prospects of the Cubs or any other team acquiring the southpaw phenom.
While the Cubs will undoubtedly continue to seek pitching upgrades, with names like Sandy Alcántara, Andrew Heaney, and Zack Littell being mentioned as potential targets, it appears their pursuit of Chris Sale will, for now, remain a “rumbling” rather than a reality. The Braves have sent a strong, unequivocal message: Chris Sale is staying in Atlanta.
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