WILL. NOT. HAPPEN. Those were the emphatic words of Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos during a radio interview before the team’s win over the Mets on Wednesday, in response to trade rumors involving Chris Sale.
While Sale would undoubtedly draw strong interest on the market, Anthopoulos shut down the speculation, firmly stating that the left-hander is not going anywhere—even with the Braves sitting several games below .500 this season.
“Zero (chance),” Alex Anthopoulos told 680 The Fan. “I’ve seen the rumors, and to me, it’s completely absurd. We’re not selling—especially not a player with team control beyond this season. It’s not happening.”
Chris Sale has been dominant for the Braves this year, posting a 2.52 ERA over his first 15 starts. Even at 36, he remains one of the top pitchers in the league and gives Atlanta a strong chance to win every time he takes the mound.
Anthopoulos didn’t just dismiss the rumors—he reinforced his stance and even hinted at potential moves to come.
“I don’t make definitive statements unless I plan to stand by them,” he said. “Because if you go back on your word, you’re a liar—and that’s the end of it. Will. Not. Happen. Bold it, italicize it, caps. I’m even working on a trade now in June to send a clear message: ‘We are not selling.’”
It’s rare for a general manager to be this direct with fans, even going so far as to promise an addition to squash rumors. But at this point, teams hoping to land Chris Sale at the deadline can safely scratch his name off their wish lists.
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