The Atlanta Braves have made a significant move in securing their pitching rotation for the future by signing left-hander Chris Sale to a two-year, $38 million contract extension. This decision comes after the recent trade that brought Sale over from the Boston Red Sox.
Sale had a previous contract running through 2024, guaranteeing him around $20-21 million, with a club option for 2025. However, the new deal boosts his earnings to $16 million in 2024 and $22 million in 2025, with an added $18 million club option for 2026.
The Braves’ commitment to Sale demonstrates their faith in him, solidifying their pitching rotation as they anticipate changes in the coming years. Left-hander Max Fried, the team’s longest-tenured starter, is set to become a free agent after 2024, with the potential for a significant contract that may not fit within the Braves’ budget. Additionally, 40-year-old right-hander Charlie Morton’s future is uncertain.
With Spencer Strider as the only rotation member locked up beyond this season, the Braves are banking on Sale to lead the next generation of Atlanta pitchers.
Sale’s career saw a resurgence in 2023 after a challenging four-year period that deviated from his earlier Hall of Fame trajectory. Despite seven consecutive All-Star appearances and top-six Cy Young finishes, Sale’s performance dipped in 2019, shortly after signing a lucrative contract extension with the Red Sox. Injuries, including Tommy John surgery and various setbacks, plagued him in the subsequent years.
In the 2023 season, Sale made 20 starts, achieving a 4.30 ERA over 102⅔ innings, with 125 strikeouts and just 29 walks. Atlanta recognized his potential and invested in his experience and talent.
Sale’s impressive career stats include a 120-80 record, a 3.10 ERA over 1,780⅔ innings, and 2,189 strikeouts, showcasing his dominance as a starter.
With Sale joining Strider, Fried, and potentially Morton in the rotation, along with a formidable lineup featuring stars like Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson, the Braves are strong contenders to secure their seventh consecutive NL East title and potentially contend for a World Series championship.
“I’m excited to join this staff,” Sale commented. “We can feed off each other and compete for another division title and hopefully a World Series championship.”