Cubs’ dream target now looks like a long shot after latest update

The trade target whom many Chicago Cubs fans are dreaming about is Atlanta Braves' starting pitcher Chris Sale. As first suggested last week, the struggles of the Braves this season could lead to Atlanta being a surprise seller ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline next month. While the Braves have a good portion of their roster locked up to long-term extensions, Sale is an obvious trade chip should they choose to sell.

The National League East race is all but over for the Braves. Entering play on Friday, the Braves are 15 games behind the New York Mets for first place. The Wild Card race isn't much better, as the Braves begin today 9 games out of the final Wild Card spot. While the Braves have the talent to turn their woes around, it's almost getting too late. Add in the fact that the Braves have lost 8 of their last 10 games, and it's clear that they should be sellers at the deadline.

Under his current contract with the Braves, Sales has a $18MM club option for the 2026 season. For a team like the Cubs, that likely wouldn't preclude them from making the deal. As the Cubs have proven in the past, if the Braves are willing to kick in some additional cash considerations, chances are the Cubs would be willing to include the prospects it would take to make a Sale trade worthwhile for the Braves.

However, a Sale trade is a move that Jon Heyman of the New York Post doesn't believe is all that likely.

A Chris Sale trade may not be too likely for the Cubs

"Chris Sale (1.09 ERA his past five starts) would likely be the top starter out there, but that’s a long shot, anyway, with Atlanta’s $18 million 2026 option," Heyman writes for the New York Post.

If Sale were to be made available, there is no question that he would be the top starting pitcher on the trade market. For a Cubs' front office that needs to be aggressive at the deadline, a move for Sale could certainly check that box. It's also worth mentioning that the Braves may have a different outlook next month, once it becomes even more clear they won't be reaching the postseason.