Even with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider returning from extended stints on the injured list, the 2025 season hasn’t unfolded the way the Atlanta Braves had envisioned. After enduring a slew of injuries in 2024 and still managing to reach the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year, the Braves now find themselves six games below .500 and trailing the NL East leader by 11 games. Despite the disappointing start, Atlanta has no plans to become sellers ahead of the trade deadline.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos reaffirmed the team’s stance during a radio appearance on 680 The Fan, making it clear that the Braves won’t be trading away players. When asked about the possibility of dealing Chris Sale, Anthopoulos didn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely not. Zero chance,” he said, according to si.com. “I’ve seen the rumors, and they’re completely absurd. We’re not selling—especially not a player under contract beyond this season. It’s just not going to happen.”
The Braves will not be trading veteran ace Chris Sale
In case anyone thought there might be some flexibility if a strong trade offer came along, Alex Anthopoulos firmly shut the door on that idea. “I don’t make absolute statements unless I fully intend to stand by them,” he said. “If you walk back a firm stance, you lose all credibility. So no—it’s not happening. Emphasize that in bold, italics, and ALL CAPS,” he declared.
Chris Sale, last year’s NL Cy Young Award winner, claimed the prestigious honor for the first time in his career at age 35. In his first season with the Braves, the veteran left-hander dominated, leading all of Major League Baseball in wins (18), ERA (2.38), ERA+ (176), and strikeouts per nine innings (11.4). He also topped the National League in total strikeouts (225) and bWAR (6.2).
Sale has continued to impress in 2025. In May, he reached a significant milestone by notching his 2,500th career strikeout, moving up to 38th on MLB’s all-time strikeout list and fourth among active pitchers.
On Wednesday, the 15-year MLB veteran delivered one of his finest performances of the season against the Mets. He tossed 8 2/3 shutout innings, allowing just five hits and one walk while striking out seven. Sale was just one out away from a complete-game shutout before surrendering a single to Brandon Nimmo on his 116th pitch, prompting manager Brian Snitker to bring in Raisel Iglesias to finish the game.
Atlanta won the contest 5-0, marking its second consecutive victory over New York and its sixth win in the past eight games. The Braves now sit at 33-39 on the season, six games behind in the National League Wild Card race.
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