Braves General Manager Sends Definitive Final Word on Chris Sale Trade Rumors

Newsweek

20-06-2025

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"Will. Not. Happen. Bold, italicize it, caps."
Those were the words of Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos on the radio ahead of the team's win against the Mets on Wednesday when the rumors were brought up about the organization trading Chris Sale.
Sale would certainly be a hot commodity, but Anthopoulos made it very clear the southpaw wouldn't be dealt away despite the team being several games under .500 this season.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 18: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves reacts during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Truist Park on June 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 18: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves reacts during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Truist Park on June 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia."Zero (chance)," Anthopoulos said on 680 "The Fan". "I've seen the speculation and that's why -- it's completely ridiculous to me. We're not selling, especially someone that has club control beyond the current year. Will not happen."
Sale has recorded a 2.52 ERA this season for the Braves through his first 15 starts. Even at 36 years old, he's one of the best pitchers in the game and gives his team a chance to win every time he takes the mound.
Anthopoulos doubled down and even gave Braves fans some insight into what may happen in the near future.
"I never make definitive statements unless I'm going to stick to them," said Anthopoulos. "Because once you make definitive statements and then you go back on them, you're a liar and you're done. ... Will. Not. Happen. Bold, italicize it, caps. So much so, that I'm trying to make a trade now in June just to signal to everybody, 'Hey, we will not sell.'"
It's not very often you see a general manager go as far as telling the fanbase they'll add someone to silence rumors about the team's ace being traded away. However, it's safe to say at this point any teams that got excited about Sale potentially being on the market need to go back to the drawing board and find a new deadline target.
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