With the Major League Trade Deadline three weeks away, the Boston Red Sox are in the market for starting pitching, according to Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow.
While the Red Sox have already been linked to several hurlers, including Minnesota Twins All-Star Joe Ryan, one name is apparently off the table.
On Thursday afternoon, FanSided’s Robert Murray reported that Chris Sale is not for sale. According to Murray, the Atlanta Braves are not open to trading him or anyone else under team control beyond 2025.
The Braves have not had any trade discussions involving Sale, who has an $18 million club option for 2026 that is expected to be picked up.
This is disappointing news for Boston, which may have been interested in a reunion with its former ace. The 36-year-old left-hander starred for the Red Sox from 2017 to 2023, helping them win the World Series in 2018.
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After dealing with injuries during his last several seasons in Boston, Sale was traded to Atlanta for Vaughn Grissom prior to the 2024 season. Sale immediately bounced back with the Braves, making the National League All-Star team and winning his first career Cy Young award.
Sale, who was recently named to the 2025 NL All-Star team as well, is currently on the 60-day injured list with a fractured rib, which will keep him sidelined until at least August. However, contenders such as the Red Sox may have considered acquiring him anyway for the stretch run and playoffs, especially given his championship experience.
While Atlanta is having a disappointing season at 40-51, the front office is apparently not looking to blow things up at the deadline and wants to keep the roster relatively intact for 2026.
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So if Boston or anyone else wants to add starting pitching, they’ll have to look elsewhere.
