President of baseball operations of the Atlanta Braves, Alex Anthopoulos, is doubling down on his team’s postseason aspirations. In an interview with 680 The Fan, the veteran executive shut down speculation about trading their eight-time All-Star and reigning NL Cy Young winner, giving a clear three-word message to the baseball world.
Atlanta Braves President Takes a Clear-Cut Stance on the Trade of Chris Sale
Anthopoulos didn’t mince words when addressing rumors about moving Chris Sale, who’s under contract through 2026 via an $18 million club option. When talking about the topic of trading Sale in his interview with 680 The Fan, he clearly said it “will not happen.”
“It’s completely ridiculous to me,” he told hosts Nick Cellini and Chris Dimino. “We are not selling, especially someone that has club control beyond the current year.”
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos on @680TheFan this morning on @CelliniNick & @chrisdimino
🔹 “We are not selling”
🔹 “Want to be in a position to add”
🔹 Offense has been “most disappointing”
🔹 On trading Chris Sale: “Will not happen”
🔹 Jurickson Profar will get a second chance pic.twitter.com/KduLq56XDV— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) June 18, 2025
Sale, acquired from the Boston Red Sox in December 2023, has been an anchor for Atlanta. After a rocky April, the left-hander has been untouchable, allowing no more than two earned runs in his last 10 starts, including six scoreless innings against the Mets on Wednesday.
Sale’s 2024 season was for the history books. He ended with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts, earning him the NL Triple Crown, a Gold Glove, and the Cy Young Award. On May 29, 2025, he struck out Edmundo Sosa for his 2,500th career strikeout, becoming the fastest pitcher to reach that mark in MLB’s modern era.
Due to the Braves’ struggles and their place 12 games behind the Mets in the NL East, Anthopoulos is operating as a buyer ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. “I’m trying to make a trade now,” he revealed, acknowledging the difficulty of June deals but hinting at his intent to strengthen the roster.
The offense, he admitted, has been the team’s Achilles heel. Left field, where neither Alex Verdugo nor Eli White has filled the void left by Jurickson Profar’s suspension, is a glaring need. Profar’s return in early July offers some hope, but his postseason ineligibility and uncertain form raise some questions.
The schedule ahead for the Braves is very challenging. Atlanta faces the Mets and Phillies in crucial series before the All-Star Break, with a pivotal matchup against Wild Card rival St. Louis looming.
Anthopoulos has aligned Sale to pitch in both New York series to maximize their ace’s impact. Softer matchups against the Angels, Orioles, and A’s in July may give them some time to gain ground, but the Braves must be in their top form to climb the rankings.