The Atlanta Braves were expected to start the season a bit slow as they waited for the returns of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr., but no one saw an 0-7 stumble coming. That brutal start buried them early, and they’ve struggled to climb out. Even with Strider and Acuña back, Atlanta is just 3-11 with them in the lineup and now sits at 27-33—already 11 games behind in the NL East.
With no clear turnaround in sight, Chris Sale could become a top trade target—and the New York Yankees might be the perfect fit.
The reigning NL Cy Young winner, Sale is having another strong year. Through 13 starts and 73 2/3 innings, he’s posted a 2.93 ERA and racked up 96 strikeouts. He’s allowed only five earned runs over his last five outings, doing everything he can to keep Atlanta competitive on the days he pitches.
A move to the Yankees makes sense. New York’s rotation ranks ninth in team ERA (3.58), but some cracks are forming. Will Warren (5.19 ERA) and Clarke Schmidt (4.04 ERA) haven’t been consistent, and Sale could provide a massive upgrade—giving the Yankees three of the best lefties in the game.
He also knows the AL East well, having spent six seasons with the Boston Red Sox, where he posted a 3.27 ERA and found consistent success.
With the Rays and Blue Jays creeping up in the standings, now might be the right time for New York to make a bold move. It’s unclear if Atlanta is ready to deal Sale, especially with a club option for next year, but if they are, the Yankees should be first in line to call for the eight-time All-Star.
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