In recent weeks, Cubs fans have been actively discussing which teams to root against as the trade deadline nears, hoping certain clubs fall out of contention and become sellers. With several teams hovering around or below .500, the Cubs could be in a prime position to benefit—especially now that another NL team, the Braves, is starting to slide.
Atlanta’s recent collapse—blowing a 10-4 lead to the Diamondbacks and suffering a home sweep—has deepened their struggles. Sitting at 27-34, the Braves are 11.5 games behind the Mets in the NL East and trail multiple teams in the Wild Card race. If they don’t turn things around soon, they might consider offloading veteran players, including star left-hander Chris Sale.
Sale, 36, is under contract through 2025 with a team option for 2026 worth $18 million. Despite a slow start to the season, he’s returned to dominant form—posting a 2.93 ERA with 96 strikeouts over 73.2 innings in 13 starts. Over his last eight appearances, he’s recorded a sub-2 ERA, showing flashes of his 2024 Cy Young-caliber performance.
The catch is that Sale isn’t a pending free agent, so the Braves aren’t pressured to move him unless they’re ready to pivot toward 2026. Still, if any team has the farm system to put together an enticing package, it’s the Cubs.
Chicago’s Triple-A roster features top prospects like outfielders Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara, infielder James Triantos, and catcher/DH Moises Ballesteros—all on the cusp of breaking into the majors. Alcántara and Ballesteros have already seen big-league action. Even though top pitching prospect Cade Horton is likely off-limits, the Cubs have other arms like Jaxon Wiggins, who’s making strides at Double-A.
With depth and flexibility across their farm system, the Cubs are in a strong position to make a major trade—perhaps even one that lands them a front-line starter like Sale if the Braves decide to sell.
