Chris Sale’s 2016 season was turbulent at times, and the Chicago White Sox are reportedly receiving trade interest in the five-time All-Star from a number of clubs.
Continue for updates.
Braves In on Sale
Tuesday, Nov. 15
According to Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball, the Atlanta Braves are among the teams showing “strong interest” in acquiring Sale.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports confirmed Sale is among the pitchers the Braves are considering making a move for.
Nationals Inquire About Sale
Tuesday, Nov. 15
On Monday, USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale reported the Washington Nationals had asked about Sale’s availability. However, he noted the White Sox had not had “serious talks with anyone yet.”
Sale Remains Intriguing Trade Target
Sale’s 2016 season was marred by a team-imposed suspension on the heels of his decision to reportedly cut up the team’s throwback jerseys before a game in late July, per Tommy Stokke of Today’s Knuckleball.
But aside from the clubhouse incident, Sale was plenty effective on the bump.
The 27-year-old tied his career high with 17 wins, and he hit that mark by recording a 3.34 ERA, a league-best six complete games, a 1.037 WHIP and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.
Sale’s 5.2 wins above replacement also ranked tied for tops among all American League pitchers along with Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander and Boston Red Sox hurler Rick Porcello.
Sale’s production alone makes him a compelling trade target, but a reasonable, team-controlled contract should bolster his trade value if the White Sox do make him available.
Sale is slated to earn $12 million in 2017, and he owns a pair of club options for the final two seasons on his deal. Specifically, Sale will make $12.5 million in 2018 and $15 million in 2019, if his employer exercises the options.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and FanGraphs. Salary information courtesy of Spotrac.com.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com