Rumor: Atlanta Braves Focused on Acquiring Chris Sale
By Matt Manetti
The Atlanta Braves are focused on acquiring White Sox ace Chris Sale. The Braves understand they would have to part with prospects in order to contend David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
The market for Chris Sale keeps on playing out and the Chicago White Sox may have a decision to make. According to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Atlanta Braves are focusing their efforts on Sale. O’Brien also reports the Braves understand they would have to alter their plan of trading top prospects in order to land an ace.
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This could actually be good news for the Sox. There’s at least one team willing to mortgage their future in order to contend. Sale is no doubt the best name available on the trade market. With the Nationals and Dodgers also reportedly interested in the lefty’s services, there’s the possibility of a bidding war.
The Sox can really take advantage of a team like Atlanta. The Braves don’t feel like they’re in rebuild mode, so they’re willing to give up a lot in return for Sale. Another team like the Dodgers could feel Sale is a guy that could help push their rotation over the top. And the Nationals would love to add another ace to pair with Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg.
The important thing is any one of these organizations have talent in their farm system. With this organization looking to rebuild, it’ll be important they get a slew of prospects in return. However, the Braves are the first team that is reportedly making it their mission to acquire Sale. Obviously we haven’t heard any names floated, so we’ll have to continue to see what plays out.
The Sox aren’t really under pressure to move Sale. The front office hasn’t spoke out on what exactly their plans are. So all talk of rebuild remains speculations at this point. Because they feel no pressure, it’s possible teams will drive up their offer, in an effort to pry the 27 year old away.
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The bottom line is any team would be ecstatic to add a player of this caliber to their team. The fact the Sox are thinking of trading him is a surprise. But they may finally realize their future could be brighter without him. It would most likely mean the organization would struggle for a few seasons but a few bad seasons would be worth it for long-term success. It’s never an easy decision to part ways with your top player, but if a team like the Braves are serious about emptying their system, it might be an offer the Sox can’t refuse.