Crypto Whale Expands $243M Shorts Across BTC, ETH, and SOL

A large crypto whale has sharply increased its bearish exposure, signaling expectations of a wider market pullback. Recent on-chain activity shows the trader expanded leveraged short positions across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. 

Consequently, the combined exposure now stands near $243 million, making it one of the largest coordinated short bets seen recently. Market participants are closely watching the move, as it reflects conviction rather than short-term hedging.

The whale’s strategy follows the earlier sale of 255 Bitcoin, which funded additional short positions. Significantly, the trader increased leverage across all assets, amplifying both risk and potential returns. This timing comes as major cryptocurrencies struggle to regain upside momentum, despite intermittent recovery attempts.

Whale Builds High-Conviction Shorts Across Major Assets

The largest portion of the position targets Bitcoin. The whale currently holds a short position of 1,899 BTC, valued near $168 million. This exposure uses 10x leverage, suggesting confidence in near-term downside pressure. However, such leverage also leaves little margin for error if prices rebound.

Additionally, Ethereum forms the second-largest component of the trade. The whale shorted 18,527.53 ETH, worth roughly $56 million, using 15x leverage.

Ethereum has mirrored Bitcoin’s choppy structure, with failed breakout attempts weighing on sentiment. Hence, the trader appears to expect continued weakness rather than consolidation.

Solana represents the smallest but most aggressive position. The whale shorted 151,209.08 SOL, valued at $19 million, with 20x leverage. This leverage level indicates a strong directional view, especially given Solana’s recent volatility.

Solana Price Action Reinforces Bearish Bias

Solana’s recent price behavior adds context to the whale’s positioning. SOL trades at $123.68, reflecting a daily decline of 0.97%. Moreover, the token has dropped 2.84% over the past week. Trading volume remains elevated, suggesting active participation during the pullback.

According to Umair Crypto, Solana’s structure has not materially changed. The asset continues to face repeated rejections near the $127 level. 

Consequently, price action now points toward a potential liquidity sweep below $120. Umair Crypto notes that the reaction near this zone will matter most, especially volume response.