Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos urged to extend 2-time Cy Young winner, World Series champion

Hunter Cookston

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Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos urged to extend 2-time Cy Young winner, World Series champion image

The Atlanta Braves are coming off a season in which their starting rotation was plagued by injuries from start to finish. All five pitchers who opened the year in the rotation ended up on the injured list at least once. This was a major problem throughout the season and only worsened down the stretch.

“Joe Jimenez was shut down from throwing last week due to renewed soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. This seemed like a major obstacle to Jimenez’s chances of returning to action before the end of the 2025 season, and Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed today to reporters (including Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) that Jimenez indeed won’t be back in action this year. It also seems like injured starters Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach have thrown their last pitches of 2025, as Snitker was doubtful either right-hander would be activated from the 60-day injured list before season’s end,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Mark Polishuk wrote.

However, when Chris Sale was on the mound, he was as dominant as ever. For that reason, securing him with a contract extension should be a top priority.

“Beyond Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, there are no clear locks for the Atlanta Braves rotation beyond 2026. Sale is every bit worth the $18 million he is owed next season, but if he hits the open market next offseason he could very well command a deal worth much more. This is where Alex Anthopoulos can get creative and reward Sale for his stellar work, while simultaneously locking up a front of the rotation starter for 2027,” HTHB’s Chase Owens wrote.

An extension for Sale would be huge for the Braves, who need veteran arms capable of staying healthy and anchoring the rotation. With a strong core in place, Atlanta’s roster is built to compete for years to come.

Sale will likely command a sizable contract, but at this stage of his career, he’s more interested in playing for a contender. Since his arrival, he’s made it clear that he enjoys his time in Atlanta — and keeping him there should be a priority for the Braves’ front office.

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