The Atlanta Braves made a bold move during the offseason by acquiring veteran left-hander Chris Sale from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for promising young infielder Vaughn Grissom. Sale was immediately signed to a two-year, $38 million contract extension, with a club option for a third season, effectively canceling out his 2024 salary with the money received from the Red Sox. The trade and extension have proven to be successful so far, with Sale posting a 3.44 ERA, 42 strikeouts, and a 0.96 WHIP in six starts this season.
Sale’s career has been marked by standout performances, including a dominant run from 2012-2018 where he consistently received Cy Young consideration. However, injuries plagued him in the following years, limiting his playing time and effectiveness on the mound. His resurgence this season is reminiscent of his prime years, with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.0, the fourth-best in the National League. Sale’s improved performance has solidified his place as one of the top pitchers in the league this year.
The contract extension provides security for Sale, a 35-year-old hurler with a history of injuries, while also benefiting the Braves as they have him locked up below market value if he maintains his current level of play. The extension also eliminated a potentially problematic vesting option clause from Sale’s previous contract. With the top ten Cy Young Award finish clause removed, Sale can focus on his pitching without the added pressure of meeting specific award criteria.
While Sale has not been the absolute best pitcher in the league this season, he has put himself in a strong position to receive Cy Young votes from writers. If he continues his stellar performance and remains healthy, he has a good chance of earning votes and potentially securing a top-five finish in the NL Cy Young race. The extension ensures that Sale will not have to navigate the delicate balance of playing to a specific award criteria while maintaining his market value.
With his contract situation resolved, Sale can concentrate on helping the Braves succeed on the field and potentially solidify his legacy as a Hall of Fame caliber pitcher. The trade and extension that the Braves made during the offseason have paid dividends, with Sale emerging as a key player in their rotation. As the season progresses, Sale will look to build on his early success and continue to contribute to the Braves’ quest for a World Series title.
Overall, the bold moves made by the Braves to acquire and extend Chris Sale have proven to be successful, with Sale returning to top form on the mound and providing stability to the team’s pitching staff. As the season unfolds, Sale’s performance will continue to be a key factor in the Braves’ success, and his potential Cy Young candidacy adds an exciting element to his comeback story.
