Insider Leak: Yankees in ‘Serious Talks’ to Land Braves Star Chris Sale in Deadline Stunner

The Atlanta Braves have been one of the more underwhelming teams in MLB this season. After dominating with 104 wins in 2023, expectations were high heading into 2024. Instead, injuries have plagued the team, and they’ve struggled to stay competitive, currently sitting at 31-38 and going just 4-6 in their last 10 games.

Amid the disappointing season, speculation has emerged about the Braves potentially parting ways with veteran left-hander Chris Sale. One proposed landing spot? The New York Yankees.

In a trade scenario outlined by Cole Shelton of Heavy Sports, Sale would head to the Bronx in exchange for two of the Yankees’ top prospects: outfielder Spencer Jones and left-hander Brock Selvidge. Shelton called it a blockbuster move, noting that it would cost the Yankees their No. 2 and another top-10 prospect.

Sale, currently earning $22 million this year with an $18 million club option in 2026, has been a bright spot for Atlanta. The 2024 NL Cy Young winner holds a 4-4 record with a 2.79 ERA over 14 starts. He’s also an eight-time All-Star and a 2018 World Series champ with the Red Sox. In New York, he’d slot behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, giving the Yankees a formidable playoff trio.

Would the Yankees pull the trigger on this deal? For just Jones and Selvidge, it’s an appealing price. But for Atlanta, the return may not be enough. Despite Sale being 36, his performance could draw stronger offers as the trade deadline nears.

As for Jones, who was once deemed nearly untouchable, Kristie Ackert of Athlon Sports reported that he could be on the trade block this summer. The 6’7” outfielder has shown flashes of elite power and athleticism, but his .220 average and nearly 45% strikeout rate at Double-A have raised concerns. Though scouts remain hopeful, both the Yankees and potential trade partners may be rethinking his long-term upside.

Selvidge, the second piece in the proposal, remains in New York’s future plans despite a recent return from injury. After missing the second half of 2023, he just made his season debut at Double-A. Still, if the Yankees are serious about chasing a World Series this year, packaging him for Sale could be a move worth making.