Know what else seems like a logical premise?
That Sale asked the Sox for an extension or, at a minimum he asked for his option to be exercised. If Sale is as competitive as you say, certainly he would want some assurance of future chances to compete. And given the ever-shrinking Boston budget, I can see why they are hesitant. They got burned with one year $10mil with Kluber, whose career has some strong parallels with Sale’s.
The Braves extended him for 2 years $38mill 5 days after trading him. If the Braves are not boobs, then why are they committing 3 years $48mill to a pitcher who has thrown 150 IP in a 4 year stretch? All without ever seeing him pitch? I doubt 9 starts that averaged less than 5 IP each carried that much weight.
One reason this fits is the immediacy of the extension. Maybe without one, Sale does not approve of the trade. As a 10/5 player, he does have that right. And to sign him within 5 days is a strong indication that this process started earlier. I don’t know how long it take to draw up contract and get them reviewed and accepted, but 5 days seems extremely fast. Especially when, if Sale didn’t want one, it could wait a couple more months at a minimum.
I think there were multiple factors. Sox wanted to cut budget. Sale was a massive financial risk. Atlanta was willing to absorb it given their superior pitching depth. Sale possibly wanting more years. And at some point, the Sox agreeing to Grissom as part of the exchange…