The New York Yankees, currently among MLB’s elite teams, are expected to be aggressive as the trade deadline approaches.
MLB analyst Jake Elman of AthlonSports has called on the Yankees to pursue a blockbuster deal for Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale.
“The Yankees, or any team interested in Sale, likely won’t be able to get him for cheap,” Elman wrote. “Although he only has an $18 million club option remaining after this season, Sale is pitching better at 36 than he did at 30. It wouldn’t make sense for the Braves to trade him for nothing.”
“It’d be hard to blame the Braves if they asked for top outfield prospect Spencer Jones in a potential Sale trade, especially if he continues pitching so efficiently,” Elman added. “Either way, a playoff rotation featuring Sale, Fried, and Rodón sounds pretty good to us. Judge and the offense would just need to do their part—and history shows that’s not always the case when the calendar turns to October.”
Adding Chris Sale would be a major move for the Yankees, solidifying their rotation for a deep postseason run. The 2024 Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star is in the final year of a two-year, \$38 million contract with Atlanta. However, with an \$18 million club option for 2026, New York could have him for two playoff pushes if they make the trade.
Chris Sale, a dominant left-hander, would bolster a Yankees rotation already featuring Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, forming a formidable trio at the top. This season with the Braves, Sale has posted a 3-4 record with a strong 2.93 ERA over 13 starts, showcasing the elite form that made him a Cy Young winner.
Analyst Wonders if Braves Will Trade Sale
If Chris Sale is made available before the trade deadline, he’d instantly become one of the most coveted pitchers on the market.
MLB analyst Chris Rose speculated on Sale’s trade potential, especially if the Braves remain below .500 as the deadline approaches.
“I’ll give you one other name, Chris Sale… He is the piece that teams, in a lack of starting pitching market at the trade deadline, that could swing maybe the entire playoffs,” Rose said. “When you are talking about something that could fetch you, I’m not talking High-A prospects here. I’m talking about young guys that can help you continue to make the Braves really relevant.”
While Rose isn’t certain Atlanta would move Sale, he emphasized that doing so would be a major statement—and could bring back a significant return.
Yankees GM Focused on Adding Pitching
The Yankees are expected to be active in the pitching market ahead of the trade deadline.
With ace Gerrit Cole out for the entire season and Luis Gil still yet to make his 2025 debut, general manager Brian Cashman emphasized that the team is prioritizing pitching reinforcements.
“Always pitching, pitching, pitching, whether that’s adding to the rotation or adding to the bullpen,” Cashman said when asked about potential moves.
While the struggles of closer Jonathan Loáisiga (Williams) and an injury to Luke Weaver could create a bullpen need, bolstering the starting rotation remains a major focus.
