Could Red Sox Trade Chris Sale In 2023? National League Club Reportedly Linked To Lefty
The Boston Red Sox have looked impressive so far in spring training.
Boston had a roller coaster of an offseason, to say the least with plenty of familiar faces leaving in free agency and even more new players joining the club. One player who has made the most of spring training so far certainly is left-handed hurler Chris Sale.
The lanky lefty has appeared in just 11 games total over the last three seasons as he dealt with a plethora of injuries, but returned to the hill for Boston in Grapefruit League action recently and looked impressive. Sale pitched two innings for Boston in his return and didn't allow a run and his fastball sat between 94-96 MPH. His changeup and slider also looked like they still have plenty of life on them.
Sale finally appears to be healthy if he's able to stay that way will help Boston win plenty of games in 2023. Boston reportedly isn't the only team who is monitoring Sale and if the Red Sox struggle this season, one team that potentially could consider trying to trade is the New York Mets, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
"Chris Sale is said to be looking good in Red Sox camp, throwing 95-96 mph," Heyman said. "Could be a midsummer trade candidate."
Sale is under contract with the Red Sox through the end of the 2024 season with a vesting option for the 2025 campaign based on certain performance thresholds. There haven't been any other rumblings about Boston potentially dealing Sale and he hasn't spoken about the topic either.
A move certainly is unlikely, but if the Red Sox struggle in 2023, Sale probably would be the team's best trade deadline piece if they were to look to make a move. As of right now, there is no reason to think the Red Sox will make a move but it certainly is something to monitor throughout the 2023 season.
At this point, the most important thing just is Sale's health and his return to the mound in regular season action. Everything else is just speculation right now but hopefully, he can remain with the club for years to come.
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