The Atlanta Braves were expected to get off to a slow start while waiting for key players—pitcher Spencer Strider and former MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.—to return. But a 0-7 start wasn’t part of the plan, and it’s left them in a deep early-season hole they haven’t climbed out of.
Even with Strider and Acuña back in the lineup, the Braves are just 3-11 in games they’ve played, sitting at 27-33 overall and trailing the NL East leader by 11 games. With no immediate turnaround in sight, ace has emerged as a potential trade target for the New York Yankees.
His last year’s NL Cy Young winner, is having another strong campaign. In 13 starts, he’s posted a 2.93 ERA with 96 strikeouts over 73 2/3 innings. He’s given up only five earned runs in his last five outings, doing everything possible to keep Atlanta competitive when he pitches.
The Yankees could be an ideal fit. While New York has the ninth-best team ERA in MLB (3.58), some starters—like Will Warren (5.19 ERA) and Clarke Schmidt (4.04 ERA)—have underperformed, making room for an upgrade. Adding Sale could give the Yankees three of the league’s top five left-handed starters.
A move to New York would also bring Sale back to the AL East, where he spent six seasons with the Boston Red Sox and compiled a 3.27 ERA. With the Rays and Blue Jays gaining traction in the division, now might be the right moment for the Yankees to act.
It remains to be seen whether Atlanta is even open to dealing Sale, especially with a club option for next year. But if they are, the Yankees should be first in line to make an offer for the eight-time All-Star.
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