Jon Heyman decided to stir up the simmering pot on the hot stove this morning with a rumor that will definitely wake up Braves County this morning.
The Atlanta Braves have been surrounded by a lot of smoke since November started – literally and figuratively. But this is news that goes well beyond the odd speculation from yesterday.
Jon Heyman, writing for Fan Rag Sports, writes that the White Sox seem to be serious about dealing their ace this off-season, and that the Braves are definitely involved:
"The Atlanta Braves have joined the Chris Sale derby in a big way and are among the teams trying hardest to land one of baseball’s best pitchers. The White Sox listened to offers at the July trade deadline for Sale, but rival teams seem to believe there is a greater likelihood than ever that Sale will be dealt this winter. The White Sox are said to be listening on co-ace Jose Quintana and just about all their veteran players, including Todd Frazier and Melky Cabrera, who are free agents after the year."
Heyman goes on to say that of all teams with interest in Chris Sale – and that’s probably all teams – the Braves, Dodgers, and Nationals are those that would have the prospects to interest the White Sox enough to get a deal done.
I would add the Yankees in that discussion as well, after the haul they received this Summer when dealing both Anrdrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman – relievers that both ended up in the World Series. The Red Sox could also get involved, but they are known to be reticent to deal Yoan Moncada, who most certainly would be asked for.
But even after writing his FanRag piece, Heyman doubled down on the Braves with this tweet:
sources: Braves r among teams showing strong interest in chris sale. they have the pieces to get it done, too. great farm!
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 15, 2016
He didn’t mention that Dodgers or Nationals here – just the Braves. Interesting.
That requires us to dig quite a bit deeper.