The New York Yankees, one of MLB’s top teams, are expected to strengthen their starting rotation before the trade deadline. One possible target is Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale, who might become available. A proposed blockbuster trade would send Sale to New York in exchange for two of the Yankees’ top-10 prospects.
This deal would be significant, with the Yankees parting with two highly regarded prospects, including their No. 2 overall, to land Sale.
Sale, who is making $22 million this year and has an $18 million club option for next season, would likely slot in as the Yankees’ No. 3 starter behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. That trio would form a formidable rotation for the postseason. So far in 2025, Sale is 4-4 with a 2.79 ERA through 14 starts. The 2024 NL Cy Young winner is an eight-time All-Star and helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2018.
Landing Sale comes at a price. The Braves would get Spencer Jones, an outfielder and the Yankees’ second-ranked prospect, who was drafted in the first round in 2022. Currently in Double-A, Jones is hitting .220 with 10 homers and could make his MLB debut later this season.
Trade Proposal:
Yankees receive:
- Chris Sale
Braves receive:
- Spencer Jones
- Brock Selvidge
They’d also receive left-handed pitcher Brock Selvidge, New York’s No. 8 prospect. A third-round pick in 2021, Selvidge is also in Double-A and rising quickly, making him an appealing asset in any trade.
MLB Analyst Believes Braves Will Trade Sale
With Atlanta currently below .500, the Braves could emerge as a key team to watch as the trade deadline approaches.
They have a number of appealing trade assets, but none more significant than Chris Sale. The veteran left-hander is expected to draw strong interest from multiple teams, and MLB analyst Chris Rose believes the Braves might deal the former Cy Young winner.
“One more name to watch: Chris Sale,” Rose said. “In a market thin on starting pitching, he’s a player who could completely shift the playoff picture. We’re not talking about getting back low-level prospects — we’re talking about young talent that can keep the Braves competitive for years to come.”
Given the potential return, Atlanta may be tempted to trade Sale.
Yankees GM Hints at Team Adding Pitching
Every playoff-contending team is always on the lookout for more pitching help, and the Yankees are no exception.
With Gerrit Cole out for the season and Luis Gil still yet to make his debut this year, New York is exploring ways to bolster their staff ahead of the trade deadline.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman recently emphasized the team’s focus: “It’s always about pitching—whether that’s strengthening the rotation or the bullpen.”
Despite the setbacks, the Yankees sit atop the AL East with a 40-25 record.
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