Cubs Get Bad News on Potential Braves' Chris Sale Trade

"You'd have to give up a top guy to get him." Heyman said. "Because obviously (a Sale trade) could certainly affect the World Series this year. You'd have to give up a top prospect."

Trading for Sale would cost a lot. To acquire a player of Sale's caliber, Heyman suggests the Cubs would need to give up at least a top prospect, something that may not be in the cards for the Cubs.

But, aside from the steep cost, Sale might not even want to leave the Braves. 

"I'm not sure that he would go though." said Heyman. "He loves Chicago from his days there... he's kind of a southerner, and he likes Atlanta... I think it's up to him on that one."

This report from Heyman effectively shuts down a potential Cubs-Braves trade for Sale. While the Braves might sell some of their players due to their poor record, Sale is unlikely to be one of those players.

Sale is under contract through 2025, with an $18 million club option for 2026. But, at 36 years old, Sale might not want to leave Atlanta as he nears the end of his career.

In 2025, Sale has a 2.93 ERA with a 3-4 record. Sale has 96 strikeouts and 23 walks across 73.2 innings in his 15th season in the Major Leagues. Sale won the Cy Young in 2024, is a seven-time All-Star, won the 2018 World Series with the Boston Red Sox, and brought home a Gold Glove and ERA title in his illustrious MLB career.

The Cubs, in need of pitching, could use Sale in their rotation. However, Heyman's report points towards the Braves' ace not being a likely candidate for the Cubs. While there are plenty of decent pitchers available, Sale would've been the best option available.