Chris Sale Stays with the Braves
Chris Sale, the former Cy Young Award winner, has decided to remain with the Atlanta Braves, signing a one-year contract extension worth $27 million. This deal also includes a $30 million option for the 2028 season. The news was reported early Tuesday.
At 36 years old and a nine-time All-Star, Sale’s impending free agency after 2026 will now likely turn into a longer stay in Atlanta.
This contract comes shortly after Sale expressed his desire to end his career with the Braves, following a 2023 season that was marred by injuries. The Braves provided him with the needed support after he faced challenges. In return, he notably won the National League Cy Young Award.
“I really like being here,” Sale commented on February 13. “They gave me a chance, lifted me up after a rough offseason. Everyone here has been great, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed my time.”
An hour after the announcement, Braves’ director of baseball operations, Alex Anthopoulos, confirmed the team’s interest in keeping Sale around, stating, “I hope Chris Sale is here for as long as he wants. He’s one of my favorite players, and his impact goes beyond just what he does on the field.”
Both Sale and Anthopoulos are expected to speak to the media soon.
The 6-foot-6 left-hander, known for his impressive slider, will return to Atlanta after a strong season that was unfortunately cut short due to a broken rib in June. Before the injury, he had a solid ERA of 2.58 and a WHIP of 1.07 over 21 appearances, accumulating 125.2 innings.
With a strikeout rate of 32.4%, Sale was indeed in the Cy Young conversation before his season ended. He ranked in the top tier of MLB in terms of RBI as well.
Atlanta, a team once hailed as a rising dynasty, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017 but enjoyed success in prior seasons, notably winning the World Series in 2021.
Meanwhile, 2023 MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. shared updates about his experience during spring training, particularly after facing consecutive injury-plagued seasons.
