Report: Astros, Rangers out on Sale at current asking price

The extreme demands made by the Chicago White Sox for a package that would land ace Chris Sale has caused some suitors, at least temporarily, to back off.

The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are reportedly out on trade negotiations for Sale given Chicago's current asking price, sources told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

Rosenthal adds that the Washington Nationals are still in talks with the White Sox, while the Boston Red Sox remain open to the idea of adding Sale, though at a lower price. The Atlanta Braves have also maintained interest.

The asking price for Sale has been said to be "through the roof," with the White Sox requesting an organization's top prospect in addition to another two high-ranked prospects.

One of the premier left-handers in the majors, Sale has gone 53-39 with a 3.04 ERA over the last four years, finishing in the top five in American League Cy Young voting in each of those seasons. The 27-year-old is under team control over the next three seasons. He's owed $12.5 million in 2017, with a $12.5-million team option for 2018 and a $13.5-million team option for 2019.