With the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline approaching in three weeks, teams are actively pursuing starting pitching, including the Boston Red Sox, whose Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow recently acknowledged the need to bolster their rotation. Despite several pitching candidates linked to Boston, the Braves have firmly ruled out trading Chris Sale, the left-handed ace acquired in 2024.
According to reports from FanSided’s Robert Murray on July 10, 2025, Atlanta has no intention of moving Sale or any players under long-term control beyond the 2025 season. Sale holds an $18 million club option for 2026, which the Braves are expected to exercise. Murray stated,
“With contenders searching for starting pitching, one name to cross off the list: Braves ace Chris Sale. Atlanta has not discussed Sale and will not consider moving the left-hander or any player under control beyond 2025, per sources.”
—Robert Murray, Sports Reporter
Sale’s Performance and History With Boston
This development is a setback for Boston, which might have hoped for a reunion with Sale, who was a key figure for the Red Sox from 2017 through 2023. The 36-year-old left-hander contributed significantly to Boston’s 2018 World Series championship but struggled with injuries during his final seasons there. Before the 2024 season, Sale was traded to Atlanta in exchange for prospect Vaughn Grissom.
Sale rebounded strongly with the Braves, making the National League All-Star team and earning his first Cy Young Award in 2024. He has also been named to the 2025 NL All-Star roster but is currently sidelined on the 60-day injured list due to a fractured rib, which will keep him out until at least August. Despite this injury, contenders like Boston might have considered acquiring him for the postseason stretch because of his experience and talent.
Atlanta’s Strategy Amid a Challenging Season
The Braves are enduring a disappointing 40-51 campaign this year but appear committed to maintaining their core roster rather than breaking it up at the deadline. This stance signals Atlanta’s intention to build for a stronger 2026 season. As a result, clubs seeking starting pitching must look beyond Sale. Boston and other teams will need to explore alternative options to improve their rotations ahead of the trade deadline.