Latest news with #CelliniandDimino
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Resurgent Braves Predicted to Cut Ties With 8-Time All-Star at Trade Deadline
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Atlanta Braves' season has not gone as they expected. They were 11 games back of the National League East and 5 1/2 games out of a wild card spot, going into play on Thursday. During a recent appearance on 680 The Fan's "Cellini and Dimino," general manager Alex Anthopoulos noted that the team would not be sellers, and specifically that it would not trade Chris Sale. He noted that he wants to be in a position to add at the trade deadline. However, why would a general manager ever admit giving up on the season or shopping its most reliable pitcher? The Braves have been playing better as of late. They have won three consecutive series, but they still have plenty of ground to make up. If they are not in a position to add players by the July 31 deadline, it may be in the best interest of the team for Anthopoulos to trade away some players who could be free agents after the season. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 3: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves returns to the dugout during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Truist Park on September 3, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 3: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves returns to the dugout during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Truist Park on September 3, 2024 in Atlanta, the most valuable trade chip the Braves have is Sale. He is an eight-time All-Star and the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. CBS Sports' Matt Snyder predicted the Braves would actually part ways with Sale at the deadline, despite Anthopoulos' comments in the media. "I'll get aggressive here, though, and go with a more recent Cy Young winner who looks great again this season: Chris Sale," wrote Snyder, predicting which players would be traded at the deadline. "The Braves are out of the NL East race. They are 5 1/2 games out of the NL wild-card race, which says they are a contender, but there are four teams in between. Should they fall back to something like eight games out by the last week of July, there's reason to believe they could miss the playoffs. Sale is 36 years old and could be a free agent after this year." Sale would quickly become the prize of the trade deadline. He has an $18 million club option for next season. He has a 2.52 ERA in 15 starts this season and 114 strikeouts. More MLB: Yankees' $90 Million 3-Time All-Star 'Obvious Guy to Be Dealt' Amid Losing Streak
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Braves Trade Announcement Could Mean Marcell Ozuna 'Good as Gone'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Atlanta Braves pulled off an extra-innings win against the rival New York Mets on Tuesday, but it's going to take a whole lot more to turn the season around. The Braves have a losing record and sit in third place in the National League East as injury setbacks and struggles at the plate have plagued their season. Given those struggles and the notable star players on the roster, the Braves seemed as if they could be heading toward seller status at the upcoming trade deadline. But president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos made an announcement to the contrary. "We're not selling," Anthopoulos said during an appearance on 680 The Fan's "Cellini and Dimino." "(E)specially a player under team control beyond this year." PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves on deck during the MLB game at Chase Field on April 27, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves on deck during the MLB game at Chase Field on April 27, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by) Petersen/Getty Anthopoulos added that caveat when asked specifically about reigning Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale, who has an $18 million club option for next year. But it was also a pretty telling hedge when it comes to designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who won't be under team control beyond this year unless the Braves sign him to an extension. "That's an important distinction, one that leaves the door open for really the only path Atlanta has left to make a splash at the deadline: a trade of Marcell Ozuna," according to Chris Landers of FanSided, who added that Anthopoulos' comments "all but confirms" the "slugger is as good as gone." Anthopoulos noted that the Braves expect to add to the roster by the deadline and that the team is exploring trades now. But with few intriguing prospects to deal away and an unwillingness to move any players with future club control, it seems a swap of Ozuna could be the only path the team has to a significant external addition. More MLB: Phillies 'Want to See' Kyle Schwarber Test Market Without Extension, per Insider
