Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos recently indicated that the team will take a more measured approach when it comes to speculation surrounding player trades, especially after witnessing Chris Sale dominate the Mets on Wednesday night.
“Honestly, there’s zero chance of us selling,” Anthopoulos mentioned on air before the Braves’ 5-0 win. He expressed disbelief at the rumors circulating, emphasizing their commitment to not selling players, particularly those with control beyond the current season.
He was cautious, saying, “I won’t make a definitive claim unless I can back it up. Once I do, if things change, I’m just labeled a liar.” It’s a tricky position for any general manager, trying to balance expectations and potential moves.
Despite a rocky start to the season that saw the Braves at 33-39, there’s chatter about whether they might consider trading some of their more appealing assets before the deadline. Sale, who recently pitched a stellar game, seems to be a prime candidate due to Ronald Acuña Jr.’s excellent play and attractive contract.
Currently, Sale is earning $22 million this year, and the team holds $18 million in options for him next year. His performance has dramatically improved, showcasing a 2.52 ERA after delivering 8 2/3 scoreless innings against the Mets, quite a turnaround from his earlier 6.63 ERA.
Any team in contention could see Sale as a significant addition to their rotation heading into October. However, the Braves are still in the mix for postseason contention, currently sitting about 5.5 games out of the final wildcard spot.
Atlanta has a tough schedule ahead with four more games against the Mets next week, along with matchups against the Phillies and Cardinals, all before the All-Star break.
“We’re not selling,” Anthopoulos reiterated. “If it gets down to under 30 games left, then I might have to rethink things.” There’s definitely a sense of urgency; he recognized the talent on the team that hasn’t fully materialized yet, making the next couple of weeks crucial.
