Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Braves Announce Trade With Pirates After Chris Sale News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 6:53 PM ET

Chris Sale is in the midst of his age-36 season with the Atlanta Braves—fresh off his first Cy Young Award in 2024 and continuing a 15-year MLB career that began when the Chicago White Sox drafted him in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft. He debuted in August 2010—the first player from that draft class to reach the majors—and spent seven seasons as the White Sox's ace.

In December 2016, Sale was traded to the Boston Red Sox and played a pivotal role in the team's 2018 World Series championship.

After six seasons in Boston, the Braves traded for Sale in the winter of 2023, sending Vaughn Grissom in the deal to land the veteran southpaw.

Over his career, Sale has been named to eight All-Star teams, claimed a pitching Triple Crown and won a Gold Glove Award.

On June 18, 2025, Sale suffered a fractured rib cage while diving for a ball against the New York Mets. The injury landed him on Atlanta’s injured list, and the organization subsequently announced he had been transferred to the 60-day IL on Tuesday to open a spot on its 40-man roster.

That move directly enabled the Braves to acquire right-hander Hunter Stratton from the Pittsburgh Pirates—sending outfielder Titus Dumitru and cash considerations—and option him to Triple-A Gwinnett.

The #Braves today acquired RHP Hunter Stratton from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for OF Titus Dumitru and cash considerations, and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta transferred LHP Chris Sale to the 60-day injured list.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 1, 2025

By shifting Sale to the 60-day injured list, Atlanta freed up the roster slot required to complete the Stratton trade.

Sale had picked up right where he left off in 2025 before his injury, posting a 2.52 ERA across 15 starts with a 5–4 record and 114 strikeouts, continuing the dominance that earned him the 2024 Cy Young Award.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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