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14h ago

Braves Rule Out Chris Sale Departure but Eye Marcell Ozuna as Trade Option

Anthopoulos’s strategy relies on leveraging Marcell Ozuna’s expiring contract to free up resources for deadline acquisitions.

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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.
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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 09: Alex Anthopoulos of the Atlanta Braves aknowledges the crowd at Truist Park during the World Series Ring Ceremony on April 9, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Overview

  • General manager Alex Anthopoulos confirmed the Braves are not sellers and categorically ruled out trading Chris Sale before the July 31 deadline.
  • Atlanta has won six of its last eight games but remains 6.5 games behind the National League Wild Card cutoff.
  • The club plans to add talent at the trade deadline and is already exploring potential deals to bolster both pitching and offense.
  • Marcell Ozuna, who lacks team control beyond this season, is identified as the most likely veteran trade candidate.
  • Sale’s strong 2.79 ERA and $18 million club option for 2026 underpin his untouchable status absent extreme shifts in the standings.