Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos made his stance clear regarding trade speculation surrounding ace Chris Sale. Despite the team’s disappointing 33-39 record, Anthopoulos emphatically stated the Braves have no intention of becoming sellers at the trade deadline.
“Zero chance,” Anthopoulos declared during a radio interview. “I’ve seen the speculation, and it’s completely ridiculous. We’re not selling, especially not someone with club control beyond this year. It will not happen.” The GM emphasized his definitive position by adding, “Bold it. Italicize it. Put it in caps.”
The reigning NL Cy Young winner has continued his dominant form in 2025, recently recording his 2,500th career strikeout. Sale nearly pitched a complete game shutout against the Mets this week, throwing 8 2/3 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts before being pulled at 116 pitches.
While Atlanta sits 11 games back in the NL East, the team has shown recent signs of life with six wins in their last eight games. Anthopoulos’ firm stance reflects the organization’s belief in their current roster and their commitment to competing for a playoff spot.
Sale remains under team control through 2026, making him a cornerstone of Atlanta’s rotation. The 36-year-old left-hander has been one of baseball’s most effective pitchers this season, maintaining a 2.89 ERA with 132 strikeouts through 16 starts.
