Atlanta Braves: 1 trade, 1 signing, 1 prospect for fifth starter role

Braves rumors: Is Chris Sale available for trade?

It’s spring training. Every team thinks they have a chance, especially the Boston Red Sox. The Sox don’t sell this early in the season.

But Chris Sale’s contract is an albatross. His last few seasons in Boston haven’t looked like the usual Sale. Chaim Bloom would be delusional not to consider a trade offer for the former ace. If not now, then when?

Sale came to spring training with a renewed focus on pitching, and a positive attitude. His durability remains a concern, but the Braves could take a flyer on him if available. And he’d come cheap — albeit not financially.

Sale wasn’t named Red Sox Opening Day starter. As much as Sale claims he understood the decision, could it be a sign of things to come?

“Who am I to come in here and demand anything at this point?” Sale said, per The Athletic. “I mean, seriously. I could have easily gotten a phone call this offseason saying, ‘Hey, we’re done with you,’ because it’s happened. You look at the last few years, the contracts and everything, there were guys in very similar situations as me that were cut loose. And (the Red Sox) want me to play for them still, so I appreciate that.”

Sale has come to terms with who he is, and that’s not an ace. At this juncture, he’d be a solid addition to Boston’s rotation if healthy. But this Red Sox team would be lucky to contend in a crowded AL East.

If acquired by the Braves, Sale would have lower expectations and the guaranteed opportunity to pitch meaningful baseball should he make it to October unscathed health-wise. It makes sense from Atlanta’s point of view.

Admittedly, any trade of this magnitude is a stretch right now with only a few weeks left in the spring. It’s unlikely, but potentially worth a phone call if Alex Anthopoulos doesn’t like his other two options.