The Atlanta Braves front office made it clear that the team wasn't looking to sell ahead of this year's trade deadline. Questions were brought up about the future of Chris Sale and whether or not the team might opt to attempt to start a bidding war for the star. However, Atlanta made it clear that the starter was expected to contribute in the 2026 season and wouldn't be moved. This is especially the case now that the veteran has suffered a rib injury and isn't expected to return until late into the summer. Still, there is reason to wonder if the Braves could change their minds in what is a lost 2025 season.
Barring an incredible hot streak, this team is a sinking ship, and Jurickson Profar's return isn't going to change this. Atlanta needs far more pieces than the front office is going to be willing to add for a team that has fallen far out of postseason contention. With this in mind, the Braves must consider changing tunes and being willing to sell over the next month of the season.
The Braves Should Consider Selling at the Trade Deadline
If things don't quickly improve, it is the right path to take and the best chance to evaluate young pieces and begin to set up the 2026 season. It is important to note that this in no way suggests the Braves should consider trading Chris Sale or any current piece that is expected to help the team win next season.
The Braves should look at dealing Eli White, Jurickson Profar, Raisel Iglesias, and Marcell Ozuna, who are either on expiring deals or shouldn't factor into the team's future. If the season continues to tank, the front office shouldn't view this as a rebuild but as a one-year reset. Looking to add possible contributors for future seasons. While the returns on these pieces are going to be very low, it sends a message to the rest of the lineup and clears room for young pieces to attempt to win a contributing role.
While it may not be a popular decision, the Braves are going to need to make it anyway if things don't quickly change. This team continues to excel in mediocrity, unable to overcome an early hole dug in the first week of the season. It is time for the front office to realize this and be willing to embrace the quickly approaching possibility that the Braves will be sellers at the 2025 deadline.