Before sharing it, I want to make it clear that I wouldn't want to have to trade either one of these two, but if I had to, I think I'd rather trade Acuña before trading Chris Sale.
Chris Sale has been a steal for us so far. At this point of his career, being from Florida, having his family near, I believe we have much more chance of keeping Sale for the rest of his career than we do of holding Acuña.
I think Acuña will be gone when his options are done. We are not gonna be able to pay what others will offer, and he's not gonna give us another discount. If it is a FA scenario, he probably ends up in our rival Mets.
From a leadership standpoint, Sale is a great leader for the young arms in our team. He has a great relationship with them and they're learning a lot from him.
Acuña is one of the most talented players in the sport. From a talent standpoint, we'll lose probably the most talented player. But he has not been a leader. And I think this team really needs one.
If I'm being forced, gun to my head, to trade one of the two, then yeah, it's Acuña. He'll get a bigger return and it's a fait accompli that he's gone in FA while Sale might re-sign and stick around until retirement
At this point in a season to forget, I think it is time for a real shakeup....players, coaches, front office, and there needs to be an agreement with whoever ends up in charge, and that is it is not a good look on the franchise or on the fanbase to constantly shop at the discount store. When a team is routinely bringing in throwaways from other teams, it just diminishes the team. I am so disappointed in the overall negatives that are now reaching two seasons. Enough! Blow the horn three times and turn the crank.
As always, good analysis. Three months ago no one thought
this would be the key discussion for the Braves in early June. The projection systems still have the Braves chances of making the playoff’s unreasonable high (40%ish). My view is that it’s about 10% and just as importantly, the projection for this core in 2026 has to be the same as last year and this year. A rebuild / retool is scary, but the only logical thing to do. Our farm system has steadily improved, we have very few bad contracts and as the article points out, we have players that will bring a very strong return of prospects. It’s the heartbreaking reality and waiting won’t improve anything.
Thanks, Tom. The internet's losing its minds over the premise of the article without either reading it or understanding that this was a series for the week.
I do think that they end up selling, but probably for 2026 versus tearing it all down. I just don't know if they have what it takes to pull the trigger on a full rebuild
Unpopular Opinion:
Before sharing it, I want to make it clear that I wouldn't want to have to trade either one of these two, but if I had to, I think I'd rather trade Acuña before trading Chris Sale.
Chris Sale has been a steal for us so far. At this point of his career, being from Florida, having his family near, I believe we have much more chance of keeping Sale for the rest of his career than we do of holding Acuña.
I think Acuña will be gone when his options are done. We are not gonna be able to pay what others will offer, and he's not gonna give us another discount. If it is a FA scenario, he probably ends up in our rival Mets.
From a leadership standpoint, Sale is a great leader for the young arms in our team. He has a great relationship with them and they're learning a lot from him.
Acuña is one of the most talented players in the sport. From a talent standpoint, we'll lose probably the most talented player. But he has not been a leader. And I think this team really needs one.
If I'm being forced, gun to my head, to trade one of the two, then yeah, it's Acuña. He'll get a bigger return and it's a fait accompli that he's gone in FA while Sale might re-sign and stick around until retirement
At this point in a season to forget, I think it is time for a real shakeup....players, coaches, front office, and there needs to be an agreement with whoever ends up in charge, and that is it is not a good look on the franchise or on the fanbase to constantly shop at the discount store. When a team is routinely bringing in throwaways from other teams, it just diminishes the team. I am so disappointed in the overall negatives that are now reaching two seasons. Enough! Blow the horn three times and turn the crank.
It’s a very tough pill to swallow after thinking the Braves had the 2nd best roster in the MLB. But denying reality only leads to bad outcomes.
As always, good analysis. Three months ago no one thought
this would be the key discussion for the Braves in early June. The projection systems still have the Braves chances of making the playoff’s unreasonable high (40%ish). My view is that it’s about 10% and just as importantly, the projection for this core in 2026 has to be the same as last year and this year. A rebuild / retool is scary, but the only logical thing to do. Our farm system has steadily improved, we have very few bad contracts and as the article points out, we have players that will bring a very strong return of prospects. It’s the heartbreaking reality and waiting won’t improve anything.
Thanks, Tom. The internet's losing its minds over the premise of the article without either reading it or understanding that this was a series for the week.
I do think that they end up selling, but probably for 2026 versus tearing it all down. I just don't know if they have what it takes to pull the trigger on a full rebuild