Atlanta Braves unwilling to include its top prospect in exchange for White Sox best player. However, the Braves are willing to include another top prospect in a trade for All-Star.
The Chicago White Sox could be very active over the next few days during the Winter Meetings. While the team could trade its best player in Chris Sale, the return they’re seeking might not be as high as they like.
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According to reports, the Atlanta Braves are unwilling to trade its top prospect shortstop Dansby Swanson. However, the Braves are willing to include its second top prospect second baseman Ozzie Albies in a trade for Sale according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
This is interesting as the Sox reportedly asking for Swanson shows that the front office really does want a high return for Sale. However, given the Braves fleeced the Arizona Diamondbacks last offseason by trading Shelby Miller for a package including Swanson, it would be very surprising if the Braves were to trade Swanson now.
As for Sale, here's essentially a summary of the talks thus far:
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) December 4, 2016
White Sox: Any deal needs to include Swanson
Braves: Have a nice day.
#Whitesox indeed want Swanson for Sale. #Braves have said no shot, but would consider Albies in a big deal.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 4, 2016
If the Sox are going to trade Sale over the next few days, they will most likely want a very strong return for him. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to many as Sale is one of the best pitchers in MLB, and the free agent market for starting pitchers is weak.
Next: Chris Sale Trade Market Getting Tighter
The Braves could very well land Sale as they have other intriguing prospects for the Sox. Rick Hahn will have to make sure he gets the best possible return for Sale, as the Sox could still contend in a few seasons. If the Sox have a full rebuild this offseason and trade other players, this team could look very different next season.