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It is looking more and more likely that White Sox ace Chris Sale will be moved before the August 1 trade deadline. The Texas Rangers appear to be the front-runner but many teams are interested including the Atlanta Braves.
Source: Braves would have interest in making a run at Chris Sale, depending on ask price. Unclear if talks have occurred.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 23, 2016
The AJC’s David O’Brien followed that up by confirming that preliminary discussions between the Braves and the White Sox have happened.
#Braves have been interested in Chris Sale for several years, and yes, there have been at least preliminary discussions.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) July 23, 2016
The Braves are in the middle of another lost season but are progressing in their rebuild and reportedly looking for help at the major league level for next season and beyond.
Braves are looking at controllable starters on this market and may have pieces to get Sale. Six prospects in BA's midseason top 100.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 23, 2016
Atlanta is turning the corner in their rebuild and could soon look to make major additions. Expected to be major FA player this winter.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 23, 2016
The asking price for Sale is reportedly very high and it is unknown whether or not the Braves would be willing to part ways with some of their top prospects. However, the team has made a huge effort at restocking the minor league system over the last couple of years in an effort to be ready for situations like this one. The timing however here, probably isn’t right.