Chris Sale Dominates as Braves Blank Mets 5-0, Trade Rumors Swirl
Veteran left-hander Chris Sale delivered his most dominant performance of the 2025 season on Wednesday night, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 5-0 shutout victory over the struggling New York Mets. Sale came within a single out of completing a full shutout game, tossing 8 2/3 innings of masterful pitching — his longest outing since June 5, 2019, when he pitched a complete game shutout for the Boston Red Sox against the Kansas City Royals.
Now six years removed from that standout performance, Sale showed glimpses of his old self by striking out seven batters, walking just one, and giving up only five hits. The veteran ace looked sharp and composed throughout the evening, helping his Braves team snap the Mets’ momentum and hand them their fifth consecutive defeat.
Trade Talk Heats Up as Braves Eye Future
Though the Braves have recently shown signs of life, winning six out of their last eight games, they are still in a precarious position in the National League standings. With a 33-39 record, Atlanta sits 11 games behind the division-leading Mets and trails the third Wild Card spot by six games. This mixed picture — recent success following a deep slump — has left many in the baseball world speculating whether Atlanta will pivot to become sellers at the upcoming trade deadline.
One of the top names mentioned in those rumors is Chris Sale. At 36 years old, the former Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star has drawn considerable interest from several contending teams, including the Yankees, Tigers, and even a possible reunion with the Red Sox. His resurgence this season has only amplified the speculation, as teams in need of a veteran starter look to bolster their rotations for a postseason push.
Despite the chatter, Sale’s outing against the Mets could be viewed as either a strategic showcase for potential suitors or a sign that the Braves still see value in holding onto their experienced southpaw. Sale’s presence could prove valuable if the Braves choose to make a late-season push.
Braves Leadership Denies Sale is on the Block
While the rumors have gained traction across media platforms and among insiders, Braves President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos decisively dismissed the notion of trading Sale. Speaking with Atlanta radio station 680 The Fan, Anthopoulos made it clear that Sale is not being shopped, despite the flurry of speculation.
“We are not trading Chris Sale,” Anthopoulos stated emphatically during the interview. “Especially someone who’s under club control beyond this year. It’s just not happening. I don’t make definitive statements lightly, but when I do, I mean it. You can bold it, italicize it, put it in all caps — it’s not going to happen.”
Anthopoulos has been at the helm of Atlanta’s baseball operations during one of the most successful runs in the team’s history, including six straight NL East titles and a World Series win in 2021. Known for his measured and strategic approach, his strong public denial carried weight. According to him, the Braves are still in “win-now” mode, and a pitcher of Sale’s caliber is critical to maintaining that mindset.
A Small Window Left Ajar?
Even with his strong rhetoric, Anthopoulos stopped short of a completely unconditional promise. He did concede that the situation could change under extraordinary circumstances. If the team’s playoff hopes fade further by the end of July, the front office could reconsider its stance.
“If everything looks different by the deadline, then sure, we’ll reevaluate,” Anthopoulos said. “But it would have to be a very extreme situation. We are built to contend. We expect to go for it every single year.”
That small caveat, while unlikely, leaves just enough room for speculation to persist. For now, however, the team’s leadership appears committed to keeping Sale as part of their efforts to climb back into contention.
Sale’s Contract and Future with Atlanta
Sale joined the Braves in a trade with the Red Sox less than two years ago. Following the trade, he signed a two-year deal worth $38 million. The contract includes a club option after the current season, giving Atlanta the flexibility to either retain Sale through 2026 or let him walk in free agency should they decide to move on.
Given that structure, Sale’s value isn’t just as a short-term rental. His continued performance this season — particularly outings like the one against the Mets — makes him a potentially key figure in Atlanta’s 2025 plans and beyond. If the Braves do make a playoff push, Sale could play a pivotal role. And if they fall out of the race, his trade value could spike further given his contract control through next season.
Sale’s Legacy and Recent Resurgence
Chris Sale’s career has been marked by both brilliance and adversity. Over 15 seasons, he has consistently ranked among the league’s elite pitchers, earning eight All-Star selections and a Cy Young Award. However, his career was significantly impacted by injuries and inconsistencies over the past few years, particularly during his final seasons with Boston.
This season, Sale has shown glimpses of the dominant form that made him a household name. His performance Wednesday served as a reminder that he still has the ability to take over a game when healthy and in rhythm. Whether it ends up being a key piece of Atlanta’s comeback story or a showcase for a late-season trade remains to be seen.
The Road Ahead for the Braves
As the trade deadline approaches, Atlanta finds itself at a crossroads. A recent surge in form gives hope that the season can still be salvaged, but the margin for error remains slim. Over the next several weeks, the team’s direction could become clearer — will they continue chasing a postseason berth, or will they shift focus toward the future?
Whatever the outcome, Chris Sale’s recent outing has changed the tone of the conversation. He has gone from trade bait to potential cornerstone, and for now, the Braves seem to be betting on the latter.
In the meantime, Alex Anthopoulos has made his stance known. If the Braves do make any moves at the deadline, it likely won’t involve Sale — unless the team’s circumstances take a dramatic turn.
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